2 days until trade deadline, will Braves make big move?
With just two days left till the trade deadline, the suspense is killing Braves Country. Hunter Pence? Carlos Quentin? Two legit candidates the Braves have targeted who quicken the pulses of at least a good portion of the fan base.
Josh Willingham? Ryan Ludwick? Two other outfield candidates the Braves have discussed, but who don’t seem to do much for the majority of fans, and can’t say I blame them.
B.J. Upton? Michael Bourn? Two dynamic talents that aren’t perfect fits for the Braves, but who are options nonetheless.
Marlon Byrd? Reed Johnson? A couple of others who might be able to help if Braves want one.
Only thing that’s wrong with Bourn, for Atlanta’s purposes, is that he hits left-handed and would cost good young talent in return, which is fine if you’re going to make a commitment to have him play center field and lead off for you in 2012 as well as the rest of this season.
If the White Sox will trade him, the Braves are interested in Carlos Quentin.
But are the Braves ready to essentially give up on Jordan Schafer by doing that? Because to me, that’s what that move would require, and I don’t know if the Braves would do it. (With all due respect, whether you or I would is irrelevant for this discussion, you know?)
Pretty much the same story with Upton – center field and leadoff, not a free agent after season — except you have to add in the fact that unlike Bourn, Upton has question marks about his attitude and performance, which has fallen far short expectations after his sensational first couple of full seasons in 2007 and ‘08.
His batting average and OBP the past three seasons: .241/.313 in ’09, .237/.322 in ’10, .228/.309 so far this season, though he does have 16 homers, 54 RBIs and 23 stolen bases in 98 games.
Bourn is a Gold Glove center fielder who flies, batting .306 with 26 doubles and a .367 OBP while again leading the National League again with 39 steals this season, after stealing 61 bases in ’09 and 52 last season. He truly changes games when he gets on base, and unlike Upton, he gets on base plenty and doesn’t come with red flags regarding his attitude and work ethic.
It’s not even clear if the Astros will trade Bourn, and if they do it’s going to cost a lot more than Upton would. And again, that commitment thing from the Braves.
If they’re ready to bring him in and turn over center field to him, I think it’d be a terrific move. But a. I don’t know if they’ll give up on Schafer, and b . I don’t know if they’ll look past the lefty thing (even though he hits lefties OK), and c. … Well, I can’t even think of another reason not to do it. Who are we kidding? Dude’s a stud.
We discussed Quentin at length yesterday – personally, I think he’d be a good move for the Braves, a serious slugger with 20 homers and 62 RBIs already this season — and most of you have read enough about Pence here and elsewhere to know his story, including the fact that Pence is going to make about $10 million in arbitration next season and would have one more year of arb after that (2013) before free agency.
That means, unless he’s signed to a long-term extension, he’s going to make at least $22 million over the next two seasons before free agency. And because he’s having an All-Star season and considered the best available bat on the market by many, he’s being pursued by a handful of teams including the Braves and Phillies, and the Astros aren’t going to give him up without getting a bevy of prospects and/or young players in return.
The Braves have so far refused to give up any of their top four pitching prospects — Julio Teheran, Arodys Vizcaino, Randall Delgado, lefty Mike Minor — for Pence, while the Phillies and probably at least one other team have offered a strong pitching prospect in the package they’re offering for Pence.
The Braves gave up a handful of prospects to get Mark Teixeira, one of the best hitters in the game when they got him (and still one of the best today). That didn’t work out as planned. Is Pence worth a multi-prospect package, multiple legit prospects, even if the Braves have a surplus of arms?
Or don’t you think the Braves might want to hold onto those chips for a more substantial move this winter? That’s when their needs for the future are going to become a lot clearer, after they find out whether Chipper Jones will be back next season for the final year of his contract (he also has an option for 2013), and after they figure out who they need to get to play shortstop until Tyler Pastonicky is ready, which won’t be at the start of next season but might possibly be late in in the season? Or at least by 2013.
Bottom line, they need a shortstop next year. They might need a third baseman or left fielder. They might know more about center field by seasons’s end, after more evaluation of Schafer, unless they’ve already made up their minds one way or another.
There has been a bidding war for Pence between at least a handful of teams including the Braves and rival Phillies.
If it was me making the call, I’d probably give up Minor or Delgado to get Quentin, just because he’s a serious slugger and is not going to make as much as Pence in 2011 (Quentin might get about $8 mill in arbitration, then be a free agent). He’s not much with the glove, not nearly as good as Pence, but for me he’s much more a game-changing presence in the lineup.
Quentin has a .353 OBP, .510 slugging percentage, 20 homers and 62 RBIs in 400 plate appearances, while Pence has a .354 OBP, .467 slugging percentage, 11 homers and 62 RBIs in 394 plate appearances.
Since the White Sox play in what most consider a hitter-friendly ballpark, and the Astros play in what is definitely a major hitter-friendly ballpark, it’s useful to compare the road stats for both players.
I was surprised to see that Quentin actually has better numbers on the road than at home. He’s hit .289 with 14 HRs and 43 RBIs in 51 road games, with a .371 OBP and .588 slugging (.959). At home, he’s hit .275/.332/.419.
Pence has hit .286 with seven homers and 27 RBI in 47 road games, with a .323 OBP and .444 slugging percentage (.767 OPS). At home, he’s hit .330/.384/.498.
And since the Braves began this pursuit in order to find a right-handed bat to boost an offense that’s been the league’s worst against lefties, let’s compare Quentin and Pence vs. lefties.
Quentin has hit .275 (22-for-80) with six homers, a .388 OPB and .525 slugging percentage against lefties. Pence has hit .281 (27-for-96) with two homers, .333 OBP and .448 slugging against lefties.
As for recent performance, for what it’s worth: In Pence’s past 21 games, he’s 19-for-76 (.250) with five extra-base hits (one homer), 5 RBIs and a .321 OBP and .355 slugging.
In Quentin’s past 45 games, he’s hit hit .274 (45-for-164) with 10 doubles, eight homers, 30 RBIs and a .363 on-base percentage and .482 slugging.
In his past 11 games, Quentin is 15-for-44 (.341) with three homers and 11 RBIs.
BRAVES LINEUP (found out after this blog was already filed that Nate McLouth went on DL with lower-abdominal strain, and rookie Jose Constanza is up from Triple-A to bat leadoff in his major league debut at age 27)
- Constanza CF
- Prado 3B
- Freeman 1B
- Uggla 2B
- Hinske LF
- Ross C
- Heyward RF
- Gonzalez SS
- Beachy RH
♣ Moving to the second tier: Ludwick would’ve been a great pickup a couple of years when the Braves tried to get him, but his numbers have fallen off dramatically, and not just because he plays home games at Petco Park.
He hit .258 with a .320 on-base percentage, .414 slugging and eight homers homers in 198 at-bats in his first 51 games this season, but Ludwick has hit just .215/.281/.326 w/ three homers in 172 ABs in his past 48 games.
And while his home splits — .217/.304/.356 — are predictably lower due to the spacious-park factor at Petco, Ludwick’s road splits are not much better. Away from Petco Park, he’s hit .248 (.49-for-190) with six homers, 39 RBIs and a .300 OBP and .389 slugging percentage.
As for the idea of platooning him with Jason Heyward, is this really a worthy guy for that assignment? I mean, I know Jason has struggled against lefties all season, but to make such a bold move as to sit him against all lefties, don’t you want a a better option than Ludwick to platoon?
Ludwick vs. lefties: .264 (24-for-91) with four doubles, three homers, 16 RBIs and a .320 OBP and .407 slugging.
By the way, Ludwick hit .258/.320/.414 with eight homers in 198 at-bats in his first 51 games this season. In his past 48 games, he’s hit .215/.281/.326 with three hoemrs in 172 at-bats.
If the Braves have got to go the cheaper route with one of those two, for me Willingham is the better choice. He’s hit .256 with eight homers, 34 RBIs and a .345 OBP in his past 54 games, and for the season he’s hit .244 with 13 homers, 51 RBIs and a .329 OBP and .432 slugging percentage in 287 at-bats over 80 games.
Again, that’s nothing to get the populace charged up. Willingham’s righty/lefty splits are fairly even, including a .225 average against lefties with five homers, a .324 OBP and .438 slugging percentage.
♣ OK, gotta close this and get down to the clubhouse. After their epic four-game series split with the Pirates, the Braves welcome the resurgent Florida Marlins to town. Old Jack McKeon has ‘em playing some ball — the Fish are 14-5 with a .282 average and 26 homers and 108 runs in their past 19 games, so the Braves had best crank up their offense a bit these next three games.
We’ll close with a choice cut from The Hold Steady, who reference “Saint” Joe Strummer, which is always a good thing. You can hear it by clicking here.
“CONSTRUCTIVE SUMMER” by The Hold Steady
Me and my friends are like
The drums on “Lust for Life”
We pound it out on floor toms
Our psalms are sing-along songs
This old town is lifeless
Been that way our whole lives, just
Work at the mill until you die
Work at the mill and then you die
We’re gonna build something this summer
(Gonna build something this summer)
We’ll put it back together
Raise up a giant ladder
With love and trust and friends and hammers
(This summer!)
We’re gonna lean this ladder
Up against the water tower
Climb up to the top and drink and talk
(This summer!)
Me and my friends are like
Doublewhiskeycokenoice
We drink along in double time
Might drink too much but we feel fine
We’re gonna build something this summer
Summer grant us all the power
To drink on top of watertowers
With love and trust and shows all summer
(Get hammered!)
Let this be my annual reminder
That we could all be something bigger
I went to your schools. I did my detention
But the walls were so gray that I couldn’t pay attention
I read your gospel, it moved me to tears
But I couldn’t find the hate and I couldn’t find the fear
I met your saviour, I knelt at his feet
And he took my ten bucks and he went down the street
I tried to believe all the things that you said
But my friends that aren’t dying are already dead
Raise a toast to Saint Joe Strummer
I think he might have been our only decent teacher
Getting older makes it harder to remember
We are our only saviours
We’re gonna build something this summer
– David O’Brien, Braves/MIB blog
3,735 comments Add your comment
southern hope
July 29th, 2011
4:02 pm
I have been waiting for this column all day! Its pathetic but I am wwaaayyyy too much into this trade talk.
AlabamaBrave
July 29th, 2011
4:03 pm
First?
keylargo
July 29th, 2011
4:03 pm
* The Rays’ asking price for Upton is more reasonable than the Astros’ asking price for Pence, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (on Twitter).
Mudge
July 29th, 2011
4:04 pm
It only happens once a year, like Christmas.
AlabamaBrave
July 29th, 2011
4:04 pm
Dang it! Second. I am such a nerd. I have been eagerly anticipating this new blog entry.
Bobby Hill
July 29th, 2011
4:04 pm
Early last winter when it became clear that Wren wasn’t going to acquire a CF I was disappointed but the more I thought about it the more I like Wren’s wait and see approach. There was at least a chance that McLouth would have a productive year or that the lineup would hit enough that McLouth simply didn’t matter. In either of those scenario it would have been a waste of resources to acquire a CF.
But Wren had to know way back in December that there was a pretty good chance he would have to acquire an impact outfielder during the season. Its not like we didn’t see this coming. So now its time to pay the piper and Wren is unwilling to fork over the prospects to get the bat we need.
Was he expecting to add an impact bat by trading B prospects?
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
4:04 pm
Why not trade Delgado to Houston for Dominic Brown? I know this allows Pence to go to Phillies, but Braves net best player in the deal over the long run.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2011
4:04 pm
You know how they normally have the winners and losers of each trade deadline.
Who’d like to wager a guess where the Braves will fall. There’s a valid argument for both sides.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2011
4:05 pm
Thanks Dave O’Brien. Know you are working hard man.
Josh
July 29th, 2011
4:05 pm
Thanks Dob
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2011
4:05 pm
Pence in Houston’s line-up.
Josh
July 29th, 2011
4:06 pm
Pence in lineup
richbrave
July 29th, 2011
4:06 pm
10th?
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2011
4:07 pm
Way to go richbrave!
I knew you could do it
southern hope
July 29th, 2011
4:08 pm
Like you said earlier, DOB…*somebody* is going to overpay for Pence…and it may be us and it may be them….but overpaying is the certain.
Orange Brave f/k/a Billy Jack's BBQ
July 29th, 2011
4:09 pm
Obtaining a good RH bat is more important to me then the debate about the budget in Washington DC. We can easily live without the federal gov’t but not baseball.
Pick someone up and get them suited up in the ATL.
Hillbilly
July 29th, 2011
4:09 pm
Where in the damn hell is my main man, Murph? Bat Masterson? How are we supposed to triumph over the poltergeist of a trade deadline without the complete A-team on hand?
archie
July 29th, 2011
4:11 pm
Anybody who’s banking on Chipper ever being a regular presence in the lineup is dreaming.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2011
4:11 pm
Obtaining a good RH bat is more important to me then the debate about the budget in Washington DC.
O8
Eric
July 29th, 2011
4:12 pm
DOB thanks for your hardwork
Arthur Redding, Jr.
July 29th, 2011
4:12 pm
Great summation and analysis, Dave.
Braves are going to have to roll the dice, not keep shaking them in their closed hand.
Patrick
July 29th, 2011
4:12 pm
who cares if we get Ludwick AND Heath bell for instance. Ludwick is going to add NOTHING, ZERO PERCENT IMPROVEMENT to this already anemic offense, so what good is getting another reliever to protect leads you’re not going to have because your offense still cannot score any runs.
Thus, getting Ludwick is POINTLESS no matter what the situation.
MariettaDerek
July 29th, 2011
4:13 pm
I hope the Braves get DOUBLE PITS TO CHESTY with it tonight!
Joey
July 29th, 2011
4:13 pm
Man, I’ve wanted Shafer to be the man in CF for 3 years. But he is what he is. A better than average outfielder, defensively. Offensively, he is well below average. Low batting average, a terrible bunter, just can’t use his speed effectively.
He raked when he was obviously on HGH, but every athlete loses a lot when he get off it.
Andrew in PA
July 29th, 2011
4:14 pm
You cant compare the Tex trade. Braves are a more playoff contender then we were when we got Tex.
Mikeyc588
July 29th, 2011
4:14 pm
DOB –
Great song choice today. Looking forward to seeing them at Variety in late August. Always an awesome show.
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2011
4:15 pm
But would you do Minor and Delgado for Pence? — N8
No way.
TennesseePaul
July 29th, 2011
4:16 pm
Thanks for the work DOB.
GO BRAVES!!
Lew
July 29th, 2011
4:16 pm
aka Billy Jack – Nice to see you back.
Joe
July 29th, 2011
4:16 pm
I really hope it doesn’t come to acquiring Willingham or Ludwick. Those guys won’t do much. If Pence becomes too costly, then Quentin is a must. I think one top pitching prospect (Minor or Delgado) and another prospect is worth giving up for CQ. Thanks for the blog, DOB!
MFin04
July 29th, 2011
4:16 pm
DOB – Is there a chance the Braves try for a couple minor moves: Bourn/Willingham or Bourn/Johnson?
AlabamaBrave
July 29th, 2011
4:16 pm
Quentin could play left and Heyward in right. MccLouth in center and Prado at third until Chipper gets back (if he does)
Orange Brave f/k/a Billy Jack's BBQ
July 29th, 2011
4:17 pm
Joey,
I agree. I want either Shafer or Macout to work, but they are not. the cf spot is killing us at the plate. Macout’s defense continues to be worrisome.
Heyward will come back, but we still need a bat.
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
4:17 pm
Dominic Brown would be a good addition to the Braves and/or a better trade chip than Delgado. Plus he provide insurance in case Heyward is injured again or if Chipper does not return in 2012 (Prado to 3B, Brown to LF). That reduces 2012 shopping list to stopgap CF and SS, assuming Braves are committed to Schafer.
Joey
July 29th, 2011
4:17 pm
I have loved watching Chipper for all of these years. But damn, I hope he retires after this season, and that money is freed up to get some new blood in here.
Colby from Utah
July 29th, 2011
4:18 pm
It would be great to get Upton and Ludwick or Willingham.. Put Upton in center and be a true leadoff hitter and have Ludwick or Willingham platoon with Heyward.. And that would help our bench. Then in the off season if Chipper retires we can move Schafer or Upton to left and Prado to third. If Chipper doesnt retire then you can trade away Upton and Schafer can play center
Brava
July 29th, 2011
4:18 pm
Braves have purchased the contract of Jose Constanza, according to Bill Shanks.
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2011
4:18 pm
Those who’ve pined for Constanza to be brought to majors, you’ve got your wish — his contract purchased from Gwinnett today. He’s here.
Chris from the Rock
July 29th, 2011
4:18 pm
Why won’t Wren part with Delgado? He probably has the lowest ceiling of the 4. And are the Braves planning on using an 8-man rotation? The last time I checked Lowe and Hudson are under contract for next year, plus Hanson, Jurrjens, Beachy and maybe Medlen is in the conversation. Teheran and Minor will be ready to fill rotation spots come April. It’s time to use depth to trade….Heck, dangle Beachy at this point. How much pitching does one organization need for crying out loud.
And as a sidenote, if Pastornicky keeps it up, he might be ready to man SS come April as well. He’s killing it at AAA, hitting well over .400, albeit in just over 30 ABs.
Orange Brave f/k/a Billy Jack's BBQ
July 29th, 2011
4:18 pm
thanks Lew. Miss being here. Been at the Ted the last 3 nights. worked hard drinking all that expensive beer and taking in the scenary.
BravesfansinNC
July 29th, 2011
4:18 pm
ajcbraves David O’Brien
#Braves purchased the contract of OF Jose Constanza from Triple-A Gwinnett. No corresponding move announced yet
Lew
July 29th, 2011
4:18 pm
Doesn’t really matter what y’all think of Schafer – he’s likely to be out for a while and is a moot point right now except for what the Braves consider his long term future to be. He’s a non issue in the current lineup and will likely remain that way for several weeks – or more considering how long it takes coming back from hand issues.
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
4:18 pm
Pence is being completed overvalued by Houston and potentially/hopefully Philadelphia. Braves should steer clear of Pence.
BravesfansinNC
July 29th, 2011
4:19 pm
Did Chipper just go on the DL?
The Bream Team
July 29th, 2011
4:19 pm
Thanks for those home/road splits DOB. I wonder what Pence will do not playing having his games in the Orange box. Interesting splits for Quentin.
Eric
July 29th, 2011
4:20 pm
DOB, in your opinion who do you think we should bring to play OF?
Orange Brave f/k/a Billy Jack's BBQ
July 29th, 2011
4:20 pm
wonder if jose constanza is trade bait?
Jim Hertel
July 29th, 2011
4:20 pm
The Braves should be bold and go for it. That means opening the cookie jar and dealing for Bourne and Quentin. We have the prospects. Only two should remain off limits — Tehrean and Visciano. Who are we kidding in withholding Minor? If he makes it big, I’ll eat my hat, but in the meantime we can win big with with the dynamic outfield we lack completely today. If Minor develops into a star, that’s what baseball trades are made for. Quentin can platoon with Heyward and play leftfield when Chipper is out. If Chipper retires, next year leftfied is Quentin’s, and the outfield is Quentin, Bourne, and Heyward. And, yes, I’d give up on Shafer. He’s a good fourth outfielder, nothing more.
In the meantime, get some more pitching for the bullpen — either through a trade or promotion from that supposedly stocked farm — and promote Pastornicky. I’m tired of some of the dead stiffs we have on this 40 man roster.
By the way, going bold is the only way for the Braves. We all know how Derrick Lee, Rick Ankiel and Farnsworth turned out last year. Ludwick or Willingham won’t get us to the World Series.
Lew
July 29th, 2011
4:20 pm
Joe – Really. If it comes down to Willingham and Ludwick – just don’t bother.
warlin antonio artiles
July 29th, 2011
4:20 pm
lo que necesitamos es un upton y ludwiks i seremos un buen equipo porf
The Bream Team
July 29th, 2011
4:20 pm
so Costanza is up with the big club? Obviously that mean changes to the 40 man right?
Joey
July 29th, 2011
4:20 pm
“No way.”
**************
DOB, how about Minor and Delgado for Quentin? Or Bourn?
admiral
July 29th, 2011
4:21 pm
DOB, how much of Minor being a lefty is holding up the braves from shipping him out? In my opinion, lefty/righty argument aside, I don’t really see a place for him among those three in the minors and the guys already with the big club.
admiral
July 29th, 2011
4:21 pm
mclouth to DL. unreal.
CrαZy
July 29th, 2011
4:21 pm
Mclouth to DL
Snotboogie
July 29th, 2011
4:21 pm
I’m guessing Varvaro will get sent down in a corresponding move.
Blankster
July 29th, 2011
4:21 pm
From other blog. My views:
Why doesnt everyone realise that the braves arent the phillies or the yankees. We cant just go around throwing prospects about to get overpaid slightly above average outfielders. We have to be smarter than that. Wake up people. Unless, of course, any of you would like to donate $25m to the braves to cover pences contract for two years?
Maybe those of you who want a big spash at all costs should go and support the yankees. They have more money than sense and will just pay the maximum for anyone with a pulse.
Dan_in_NC
July 29th, 2011
4:21 pm
Constanza…that’s our bat!!! Just like Brian Jordan always tells us on TV, it’s like signing a free agent…
DHD
July 29th, 2011
4:21 pm
I say McLouth has gone in a deal and we need a fill in for tonight.
John Adcox
July 29th, 2011
4:22 pm
DOB, any idea whose roster spot Constanza takes?
Mister Frisky
July 29th, 2011
4:22 pm
Wrens raisins are too small for this job.Get ready tomahawkers here comes Ludbag and Willingcrap two more lousy bats to go along with the likes of Mc Louth,Schafer,Heyward ,Gonzalez ,Uggla et al.
Orange Brave f/k/a Billy Jack's BBQ
July 29th, 2011
4:22 pm
If Macout is to the DL, then that temporarily solves several problems. Of course it creates some issues too. like who is going to play CF tonight and lead off??
BravesfansinNC
July 29th, 2011
4:22 pm
Mclouth to DL because he can’t hit neither can he throw out a runner
Blankster
July 29th, 2011
4:22 pm
David O’Brien
July 29th, 2011
4:18 pm
Those who’ve pined for Constanza to be brought to majors, you’ve got your wish — his contract purchased from Gwinnett today. He’s here.
Finally. Produce in AAA should give you a shot in the majors.
Brava
July 29th, 2011
4:23 pm
McLouth to DL with Noodle Arm Syndrome.
JT Grace
July 29th, 2011
4:23 pm
I truly do not understand the Braves front office love affair with Jordan Schafer. He has a .300 OBP. That is TERRIBLE!!! Jordan MAY be a decent player one day. Michael Bourn IS ALREADY a really good player. Trade Jordan and a pitching prospect to the Astros for Bourn and let the Astros deal with his development. Then get a bat for the bench like Ludwick or Willingham.
And why won’t the Braves part with Mike Minor for Hunter Pence? I understand why they don’t want to trade Teheran, or even trade Minor for a rental like Beltran, but Pence is not a rental and the Braves have no need for Minor this year and probably not next year either. However, they have a serious need for offense.
I’ve always trusted the Braves front office to make the right moves but refusing to move Minor and not wanting to get a new CF because of Jordan Freakin’ Schafer is frustrating to say the least.
JohninDC
July 29th, 2011
4:23 pm
If Atlanta is going to give up a talented package…which I doubt they will…I don’t see them making the commitment…would make too much sense, I’d rather see them do it for Bourn. yes, I know he’s not the right handed bat Atlanta needs/desires. But you can’t tell me that having him in Center, leading off, stealing bases, wouldn’t boost the offense. And he’s pretty darn good in the outfield. I have no problem giving up on Schaefer…of course, it’s Wren’s call. But for me, I’d trade for Bourn and immediately try to lock him up for the long haul. Hopefully Chipper will retire after this year. The guy has been awesome and I’ve always been a huge fan, still am, but he’s not cutting it. he’s turning into one of those “players who don’t know when to walk away when the game has passed him by”. Remove his salary from the books, KKs salary comes off, as does McClouth….I mean come on…could still be a MAJOR player in FA for a right handed slugger.
Lew
July 29th, 2011
4:23 pm
Jim Hertel – Maybe you need to go back and check what Derrek Lee did while Brave – might just find that he was pretty damned good and if we were to get a performance equal to his last year for the Braves it would be pretty much exactly what we need.
George Washington
July 29th, 2011
4:23 pm
Trade heyward, Schafer, McClouth, and Minor to Houston for Pence and Bourn.
CrαZy
July 29th, 2011
4:23 pm
Braves are in Duram no way Constanza can make the game tonight, so I wonder who will play CF?
Bigwheel
July 29th, 2011
4:23 pm
Oh man, this aint good. Lets get a bat, today!!!!
Hillbilly
July 29th, 2011
4:23 pm
Jose Constanza has 104 hits in AAA this season. 97 of them are singles…yes 97 out of 104.
John Adcox
July 29th, 2011
4:24 pm
Sorry, posted too soon. Thanks for the info.
Joey
July 29th, 2011
4:24 pm
“Who are we kidding in withholding Minor? If he makes it big, I’ll eat my hat”
*************************************
I totally agree, Jim.
afan
July 29th, 2011
4:24 pm
alright for real. who is gone for constanza to replace?
Blankster
July 29th, 2011
4:25 pm
Joey
July 29th, 2011
4:13 pm
Man, I’ve wanted Shafer to be the man in CF for 3 years. But he is what he is. A better than average outfielder, defensively. Offensively, he is well below average. Low batting average, a terrible bunter, just can’t use his speed effectively.
He raked when he was obviously on HGH, but every athlete loses a lot when he get off it.
Yeh Schafer is living proof of how much PED’s truely do help you. Espicially in abseball. Steroids are a huge advanatge to a game played everyday
Brava
July 29th, 2011
4:25 pm
Diory DFA
Bigwheel
July 29th, 2011
4:25 pm
GW- cant trade players on the DL
DHD
July 29th, 2011
4:25 pm
Or McLouth to the DL
Jerry Blooger
July 29th, 2011
4:25 pm
Atleast 5 of these post are brought over from last blog? Oh and dominic brown is still overrated
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
4:25 pm
DOB-Why just the 2011 stats for Willingham? He is in a new league and has been injured. I think he is a better option than Ludwick. Check out Willingham’s line vs Lefties his last three NL seasons (’08-’10)…
.271/.398/.520/.918
Better line than any Brave.
sick of the whiners
July 29th, 2011
4:25 pm
Here’s the real beauty of the trade deadline:
For a couple of weeks before the deadline all the miserable malcontents can whine, gripe, bitch and moan that Frank Wren is a bum for not trading away prospects for a bat because the offense sucks and we HAVE to win this year and OMG the Phillies and Giants and a first round exit is Simply NOT Acceptable and FIRE FRANK WREN!
The nanosecond an actual deal is made for a living, breathing baseball player, all those negative nancies shift gears from fifth straight into reverse and call for Frank’s head on a platter for trading away the future of the team for that no-talent bum. The best part? They will all scream about the loss of any prospect that plays in the bigs for even one single solitary game for YEARS. Decades even. Why did that idiot Frank trade Brett Butler away??? GRAAAH!
It’s a cacophony of crabbiness only bested by the whining in the playoffs.
CrαZy
July 29th, 2011
4:25 pm
Heyward in CF tonight? Prado in CF tonight? This might force Chipper back into the lineup a few days early!
BraveOne
July 29th, 2011
4:25 pm
DOB who is your pick… who do you think the Braves will end up trading for?
Orange Brave f/k/a Billy Jack's BBQ
July 29th, 2011
4:26 pm
I find it funny that we sit and here and ponder “why the braves will not do this?” or “why the braves will not trade such and such?”.
hey it takes 2 GM’s to make a trade. maybe nobody wants some of the cats we have……maybe some of the other GM’s read this blog for advice and realize that some of our players are not quite that good.
AlabamaBrave
July 29th, 2011
4:26 pm
@ DOB: who do you think will be the DFA victim?
dmack2027
July 29th, 2011
4:26 pm
If Philly is going to acquire Pence, and it looks like they will, it is important for the Braves that they surrender Dominic Brown.
I keep wondering how Philly continues to have the prospects to pull off these deals. I guess when you trade your legit stud prospects (Drabek), someone has to be your top prospect. I would be curious to know where Cossart and Singleton would rank in Atlanta’s farm system.
Here is my other question. Why not dangle a guy like Beachy in a trade? If you think Minor is ready, Beachy may be the guy you would rather part with because Minor has a higher ceiling.
MFin04
July 29th, 2011
4:26 pm
What’s up with Diory DFA?
Brava
July 29th, 2011
4:27 pm
Diory Hernandez is the DFA victim.
Snotboogie
July 29th, 2011
4:27 pm
Crazy – DOB said he’e here – meaning at the stadium. They probably knew about the call-up earlier today.
Shaun
July 29th, 2011
4:27 pm
B.J. Upton? Michael Bourn? Two dynamic talents that aren’t perfect fits for the Braves, but who are options nonetheless.
All that’s wrong with Bourn, for Atlanta’s purposes, is that he hits left-handed and would cost good young talent in return, which is fine if you’re going to make a commitment to have him play center field and lead off for you in 2012 as well as the rest of this season.
But are the Braves ready to essentially give up on Jordan Schafer by doing that? Because to me, that’s what that move would require, and I don’t know if the Braves would do it. (With all due respect, whether you or I would is irrelevant for this discussion, you know?)
This is hilarious. Bourn and Upton aren’t perfect fits but Carlos Quentin makes sense? The Quentin move would require the Braves to essentially give up on Heyward or Prado for the rest of this season. DOB didn’t seem to have a problem presuming the Braves would do that. Now it’s time to leave what we would do out of the discussion?
How many option years does Schafer have left? Doesn’t he have one more? The Braves could acquire Bourn or Upton and essentially not give up on Schafer. They could just let Schafer play everyday in the minors through next season, if he has an option year left.
Jake
July 29th, 2011
4:27 pm
We don’t need a leadoff hitter. Probably don’t need another bat. We just called up our next big thing. Jose Costanza will be the spark this team needs. A huge OBP and speed. We will start every game with a man on second. Don’t worry.
Craig
July 29th, 2011
4:27 pm
All we are saaaaaaaaaaaa-ying………is GIVE PENCE A CHANCE!!!!!
Brave New World
July 29th, 2011
4:27 pm
A few years ago, I would be hoping the Braves got Upton, but at 28, he has gone backwards in his development and is now a .240 hitter with speed who strikes out way too much. If we make a move I’m hoping for Bourn first, and if not Bourn, Quentin. Pence would be a welcome addition, but the asking price (top pitching prospects) is likely too high. Willingham, Ludwick, etc. are second tier additions, and if we don’t give up much, they might be ok. BTW, I am glad we did not trade Minor for Beltran.
PMC
July 29th, 2011
4:28 pm
Fine with me if they wait. They aren’t winning this year, it’s fairly clear unless something massive changes with the way they are hitting. One bat isn’t changing that.
K Conley
July 29th, 2011
4:28 pm
Nate McLouth to the DL!
braves phanatik
July 29th, 2011
4:28 pm
well give jordan some hgh and put him back out there for gods sake!!!
Eric
July 29th, 2011
4:28 pm
hm… Diory DFA… wonder why
The Bravery
July 29th, 2011
4:28 pm
So according to Dave, Diory Hernandez was designated for assignment. I wonder why
uhh, I dunno
July 29th, 2011
4:28 pm
Don’t panic…just get a big bat that plays outfield and middle reliever…simple
Do not overpay and…..
Damnit, take the reigns off Wren and let him get the rest of the pieces to this puzzle…
We’re sooo close this year…GET RID OF LIBERTY MUTUAL of omaha’s animal kingdom…
That company is killing the Braves with a slow death.
Let's Go
July 29th, 2011
4:28 pm
Minor, Beachy, Shafer, and one other high A or AA player for Pence (Maybe even Bourn) and Wandy Rodriguez. Houston cuts salary and gets prospects and the Braves get an OF who can hit and a LH starting pitcher.
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
4:28 pm
Jerry Blogger-Only the #3 prospect in all of baseball at the start of the season.
Brava
July 29th, 2011
4:28 pm
Lineup; 1. Constanza cf, 2. Prado 3b, 3. Freeman 1b, 4. Uggla 2b, 5. Hinske lf, 6. Ross c, 7. Heyward rf, 8. Gonzalez ss, 9. Beachy
Trojan
July 29th, 2011
4:29 pm
Constanza can out hit ANY of our outfielders. What does that tell you? Bourne is a great fit for this team. We are slow as fog, we need speed.
Help us out Wren!
Dan_in_NC
July 29th, 2011
4:30 pm
Obviously you morons can’t read…Constanza is with the team in Atlanta, not Durham. DOB tweeted that he will be in center batting leadoff…
I wish Nate would have been DFA…
Bushinyou
July 29th, 2011
4:30 pm
Why is McLouth going on the DL?
Patrick
July 29th, 2011
4:30 pm
Nate to DL, alright! Half the opening day lineup is out, but no worries! Ryan Ludwick is coming to fix everything!
abeeeewright
July 29th, 2011
4:30 pm
Bourn seems to be so over-the-top obvious as the best fit for the Braves (CF, good speed, good OBP) that I cannot believe that Pence even gets the time-of-day (RF, fair speed, fair OBP).
If the only argument against Bourn is that the Braves’ might be giving up on Schafer … doesn’t that apply to Pence in spades? Getting Pence means giving up on Heyward.
If Schafer is the obstacle between Braves getting Bourn and upgrading their OBP and speed, I would really begin to dislike Schafer.
Bourn is likely now far better than Schafer will ever develop into. Pence, who’s having a good year, is better than Heyward in what will probably prove to be his worst season.
Mister Frisky
July 29th, 2011
4:31 pm
Hudson in CF he carries more wood than 2/3 of the regulars.
longislandbravesfan
July 29th, 2011
4:31 pm
The suspense is killing me. I don’t want Willingham or Ludwick unless we can get Balfour or Bell in the same deal to help out the ‘pen. Would that have any chance at happening
Orange Brave f/k/a Billy Jack's BBQ
July 29th, 2011
4:31 pm
we dont know that macout is headed to the D/L. only speculation
Casual
July 29th, 2011
4:31 pm
I like Bourn about the best of any of them if he does not cost too much. The speed and the D are unlikely to go in a slump. Just make the lineup more interesting and pitching even better.
Jim Hertel
July 29th, 2011
4:31 pm
Lew, I really don’t remember that Derrick Lee did much for us last year. He is a good man, but this isn’t church. He certainly wasn’t a difference maker, and that’s what this team has to have to move to the top tier. Otherwise, I see a slow slide down to the finish. We have too many black holes in that batting order to scare anybody in the playoffs.
Andrew in PA
July 29th, 2011
4:31 pm
Braves may end up need to pieces. Bryd and Reed Johnson.
Craig
July 29th, 2011
4:31 pm
abeeeewright, do you not remember? We do not value OBP very much.
Snotboogie
July 29th, 2011
4:31 pm
McLouth – DL – abdominal strain.
Diory DFA because Constanza not on 40 man.
Blankster
July 29th, 2011
4:32 pm
Brava
July 29th, 2011
4:28 pm
Lineup; 1. Constanza cf, 2. Prado 3b, 3. Freeman 1b, 4. Uggla 2b, 5. Hinske lf, 6. Ross c, 7. Heyward rf, 8. Gonzalez ss, 9. Beachy
Worst line up in 15 years for the braves??
bvillebaron
July 29th, 2011
4:32 pm
Nice article DOB. Good analysis across the board.
One-Eyed Mac
July 29th, 2011
4:32 pm
Not speculation, DOB tweeted about McLouth, lower abdominal strain.
Jake
July 29th, 2011
4:32 pm
This lineup wins a whollllleeeee lotta games:
Gonzo SS
1) Costanza CF
2) Prado LF
3) McCann C
4) Chipper 3B
5) Freeman 1B
6) Uggla 2B
7) Heyward RF
9) Best rotation in the game.
The Bream Team
July 29th, 2011
4:32 pm
George scored with the Portugese waitress
Patrick
July 29th, 2011
4:33 pm
DOB, I know you mentioned not trading big pieces now but maybe in the summer. But while the Braves are in the position they are in, shouldn’t they go for it now while they are in position?
Who knows what will happen next season.
Plus, they’ll have some money next year: No kawakami, mclouth or alex gonzalez to pay for or linebrink or sherrill for that matter.
So, they don’t neccessarily have to trade in the offseason too.
CrαZy
July 29th, 2011
4:33 pm
All you guys who have been wanting to see Jose Constanza are going to be disapointed. Just another Matt Young…..5′ 9″ 150Lb There’s a reason these guys are still in the minors at 27 years old.
Robert
July 29th, 2011
4:33 pm
“Well, I can’t even think of another reason not to do it. Who are we kidding? Dude’s a stud.”
Michael Bourn is a pretty good player. He is NOT a stud
Matt Kemp is a stud. Albert Pujols is a stud.
Michael Bourn is not a stud
roaddawg80
July 29th, 2011
4:33 pm
He is replacing McClouth
MFin04
July 29th, 2011
4:34 pm
So Diory is basically no longer a Brave…
AlabamaBrave
July 29th, 2011
4:34 pm
So that means Gonzo is our SS for the rest of the year and his back-up is Lugo? Yikes!
Brava
July 29th, 2011
4:34 pm
It’s pretty bad, Blankster. Worried about this series with the Fish. They are hot right now.
Patrick
July 29th, 2011
4:34 pm
Blankster, yes: I believe so, and even if you were to add Ludwick in there, the answer to your question would still be yes
braves phanatik
July 29th, 2011
4:34 pm
hahahahahaha @ whoever just called our owners liberty mutal of omaha. damn that made day.
uhh, I dunno
July 29th, 2011
4:34 pm
Why are the Braves on 4 different channels?
Miss the good ole days when you knew what channel they would be on everynight…..because it was ONE.
Takes a bar/restaurant half the game to figure out which channel they have to change it to everynight also. The amount of time it takes a manager to figure out and then actually change the channel takes an hour.
I hate Liberty Mutual and Braves TV contracts….Bring back the Superstation!
Snotboogie
July 29th, 2011
4:34 pm
All you guys who have been wanting to see Jose Constanza are going to be disapointed. Just another Matt Young…..5′ 9″ 150Lb There’s a reason these guys are still in the minors at 27 years old.
Pfft. That only means that Gartrell will become the new hero.
Free Gartrell !!!
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
4:35 pm
Constanza? Sorry, never even heard of him. Maybe I have since you have the bloggers who talk lots about minor leaguers, but I can’t recall.
Damn this team can’t stay healthy.
Orange Brave f/k/a Billy Jack's BBQ
July 29th, 2011
4:35 pm
back to work, yawn, call me if we make a big trade.
cannot go to the TED tonight, my wallet and liver cannot afford it.
Jerry Blooger
July 29th, 2011
4:35 pm
Bobby- I know man but in my little basement he’s not thought that well of. You think he’ll have better career than Heyward?
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
4:35 pm
Jim Hertel-Your memory fails you!
SB75
July 29th, 2011
4:35 pm
If we can’t get Upton at a reasonable price, pass on every one else. Been saying it for over a mounth now, you can’t trade for a corner OF’er untill Chipper decides when he will hang them up. Pence can not play CF, watch him play defense before you reply back. Carlos can’t play center, Ludwick? No Will? No. Bourn? Yes, but cost is the issue. Jason will be in right and Prado in left untill Chipper hangs them up. So no to corner OF’ers. B.J. or bust!
abeeeewright
July 29th, 2011
4:35 pm
Why is that such a bad line-up?
Could have Ramirez instead of Heyward and Lugo instead of Gonzalez.
Maybe Fredo could rest Rossie and play Boscan? Don’t want to tax him since he might have to play 15 games in a row.
The Bream Team
July 29th, 2011
4:36 pm
What do we do if Jeff Porter pulls a hammy running on the field?
Dan_in_NC
July 29th, 2011
4:36 pm
Not exactly heartbroken over Diory getting DFA…he had plenty of chances to be a solid backup to Gonzo at short.
Brave New World
July 29th, 2011
4:36 pm
Not joking here, just want some feedback. Would you make this trade: Heyward, Minor and Shafer for Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn?
TennesseePaul
July 29th, 2011
4:36 pm
Diory is gone and Biff is up! Nice. I’m looking forward to this.
Wonder if his jacket zipper got stuck when he was called into the office to be told of his promotion, resulting in a panic. Perhaps he found a white discoloration near his lip as well?
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
4:37 pm
Jerry Blogger-No, probably not. But he would be better than anything the Braves have in their system for LF going forward. Plus a more valuable asset than Delgado.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
4:37 pm
neither team would make that trade
N8
July 29th, 2011
4:38 pm
“No Way DOB
Didn’t think so. Me either. Thanks for the response.
Now, in your blog article, you stated that Wren wouldn’t give up any of the big 4 (Minor, Delgado, Teheran, Vizcaino)….
Is it your understanding that Houston wants two of those guys? Because since it’s been mentioned elsewhere that Minor was the missing piece that Wren wouldn’t part with, am I correct in assuming that Delgado was likely ALREADY in that package and Wren wouldn’t add Minor to it?
Or was it simply 3 other prospects besides one of the “big 4″ and Wren wouldn’t part with one of them big 4?
Because as much as I’ve been against getting Pence for two of our big 4 pitchers, I WOULD however, part with one of them not named Teheran for Pence.
Please clarify (if you know the answer) for my own personal satisfaction. LOL
Robert
July 29th, 2011
4:38 pm
“Dominic Brown would be a good addition to the Braves and/or a better trade chip than Delgado”
If the Braves were hesitant to trade Mike Minor to a divisonal rival, then the Phillies are to be expected to be hesitant to trade Dominic Brown to the Braves for the same reason
What’s good for the goose is good for the gander
The Braves dont get to live by special rules
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
4:38 pm
The Braves will go down to the wire with a trade. Just like last year when it was literally a last minute trade for Ankiel/Farnsworth.
Eric
July 29th, 2011
4:38 pm
What a lineup
abeeeewright
July 29th, 2011
4:38 pm
If the Braves had already traded for Bourn, McNate to the DL wouldn’t be such a big deal.
Lollygagger
July 29th, 2011
4:39 pm
here comes Ludbag and Willingcrap
And there we have it, folks. Who needs John Heyman, Ken Rosenthal and the DOB to give us the news? We have Mister Frisky.
(Actually, I have to admit that I did laugh at those names for a brief moment before I returned to adulthood)
MFin04
July 29th, 2011
4:39 pm
“Not exactly heartbroken over Diory getting DFA…he had plenty of chances to be a solid backup to Gonzo at short.”
Yeh, and A-Gon has had plenty of chances at SS to prove he’s a starter but…
Tick Tock
July 29th, 2011
4:40 pm
Just don’t do a deal. It’ rediculous the number of injuries. If they trade for a right handed bat, someone will slip on soap in the next couple of days and get hurt.
When does it turn from just being bad luck to being bad conditioning techniques and practices?
Andrew in PA
July 29th, 2011
4:40 pm
Braves will do something. First priority should be OF that can play CF. Marlon Byrd, Reed Johnson or Michael Bourn. Then we should call the fish and try to get Infante back. He would be priceless to this Braves team right now. See what the Giants did last year. They went for quantity over quality.
boondawg
July 29th, 2011
4:40 pm
Wow the wheels seem to be falling off. McClouth with an injury? Hum? Bet we are getting a CF’er.
tony austin
July 29th, 2011
4:40 pm
Wonder if his jacket zipper got stuck when he was called into the office to be told of his promotion, resulting in a panic. Perhaps he found a white discoloration near his lip as well? – Tennessee Paul
Heath
July 29th, 2011
4:40 pm
I would say based on cost… Quentin is more likely than Pence. I just don’t think Pence is going to happen and I think Quentin is a small chance too. I’ll hold out hope for Quentin instead of “the second tier” guys.
BFChris26
July 29th, 2011
4:40 pm
I sure hope Wren doesn’t think Constaza is the only move to be done. That would be down right horrible.
TennesseePaul
July 29th, 2011
4:40 pm
Wait McLouth is injured? That couldn’t possibly be true. Not a chance this guy is injured. He’s 100% healthy. Has been his entire Braves tenure. Not once has he ever had an oblique, abdominal, hamstring, concussion, or any other type of injury at any point ever.
Probably for the best though. Insurance kicks in right? All this weeping and gnashing of teeth due to McLouth’s contract, the amount of time he’s been on the DL bought the buy out of his contract.
Heath
July 29th, 2011
4:40 pm
Wow…Constanza leading off too. Talk about getting called up.
abeeeewright
July 29th, 2011
4:40 pm
I still think that getting Ankiel again might happen.
Bobby Hill
July 29th, 2011
4:42 pm
Maybe Wren should be looking to sell at the deadline instead of buy?
Blankster
July 29th, 2011
4:42 pm
I thinka big problem the braves have, and have had for a few years, is that they DONT HAVE that STUD. That one guy in the middle of the line up who can hit for average and power. Chipper was that guy before the last 3/4 years. He was a genuine stud. Maybe mccann can be that guy, but then he is out of the line up every 5th day.
I guess they hoped that guy would be heyward….
glove51
July 29th, 2011
4:42 pm
I’d rather have Diory than Lugo personally.
abeeeewright
July 29th, 2011
4:42 pm
Since it was fairly certain that the Braves were going to move on something in CF, at most “Can’t Stand Ya” will be patrolling out there for two days.
coach
July 29th, 2011
4:42 pm
If Canstanza does bad tonight then he will be known as Can’tstandya tomorrow.
TennesseePaul
July 29th, 2011
4:43 pm
I sure hope Wren doesn’t think Constaza is the only move to be done.
Yes. I’m pretty sure this is it. The FO played this one close to the vest to prevent the competition from figuring out the weapon they already had.
MFin04
July 29th, 2011
4:43 pm
When the heck did McLouth get hurt?
And seriously? The cost of the Braves getting a CF just went up when we DLed both of our CFs in one week.
boondawg
July 29th, 2011
4:43 pm
I just jumped on the Bourn bandwagon.
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
4:43 pm
Brave New World-Upton is 26 not 28.
Brave New World
July 29th, 2011
4:44 pm
Mister Frisky, when you get a chance, would you mind fixing the debt crisis? – you could not be any worse than what’s in Washington.
billmaier
July 29th, 2011
4:44 pm
dave glad you would trade minor for a bat– you should be in wren’s place and wren fired if that is the only thing holding up the pence deal. How does wren explain- please ask him where minor fits in in the future now next year and the proceeding years?– if he cant trade lowe then you have the five starters back next year plus medlen 6-2 and the braves were 10-1 when he started in 2010. plus everyone has projected that teheran willbe in the rotation in 2012- so counting minor that is 8 starter for five postions and you have teheran and viziciano, oberholtzer,hoover, spruell, gilmartin for possible future years plus thos pitchers drafted this year and in future drafts- if wren won’t answer dave or somebody please answer that question where in the world does minor fit in with all that depth- when we need a righhanded bat now and the future
Veer
July 29th, 2011
4:44 pm
YES CONTZANA IS HERE!!!! I BEEN LOBBYING FOR HIM TO COME TO MLB FOR PAST 3 MONTHS. WHAT A PLAYER HE IS.
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WANTED BOURN? WELL GUESS WHAT??
THIS GUY IS THE 2ND COMMING TO BOURN!!!
THIS WORKS OUT AS GOOD AS A TRADE!!!!!!!!!!!
YA!!!!!!!!
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
4:44 pm
boondawg, yep. A CF is coming to Atlanta in any trade now that both of ours are hurt. Just too obvious. Betting Bourn and probably a platoon guy like Ludwick or Willingham. The RP thing will have to wait.
That’s my prediction and I’m sticking to it … for now.
Ed
July 29th, 2011
4:45 pm
Can the Braves teach Jordan to play shortstop ???
RC
July 29th, 2011
4:45 pm
Whoever we get had better be able to leadoff, because apparently that’s where Fredi hits the CF….
abeeeewright
July 29th, 2011
4:45 pm
You almost want to feel sorry for McLouth (not really). He was going into a huge pay-day next year ($10M+), but will now be lucky to catch on with any mlb team for the league minimum.
bravesgrl4lifeeee
July 29th, 2011
4:45 pm
has it been posted on here that Nate went on the DL with an abdominal problem?
jebstuart
July 29th, 2011
4:45 pm
TO Chris from the Rock RE: your quote
“and as a sidenote, if Pastornicky keeps it up, he might be ready to man SS come April as well. He’s killing it at AAA, hitting well over .400, albeit in just over 30 ABs.”
Someone has to teach him to play Short first. Terrible Arm, lacks range or doesn’t hustle but he can hit singles.
No, No, No
July 29th, 2011
4:45 pm
Constanza batting leadoff………..COME ON MAN
Jerry Blooger
July 29th, 2011
4:46 pm
Uh Oh here comes Coco
Elmer
July 29th, 2011
4:46 pm
Who would want McC. or Shaf ?
Dumbfound
July 29th, 2011
4:46 pm
Talk about getting free agents and trades, It looks like Mr. Blank wants a superbowl title. The Falcons sign Ray Edwards and I believe the Falcons are the mystery team After Nnamdi ! Can you say Superbowl rather than World Series ?! Okay Wren, The ball is in your court Now ! What are you going to do ?!?!
Brave New World
July 29th, 2011
4:47 pm
Bobby: You are right and I am wrong. Thanks for the correction. Upton has a world of talent, but he has yet to be the player everyone was hoping for. Maybe a chnage of pace would help him. If he comes here, I’m sure Larry Parrish will make him a better hitter (LOL).
John
July 29th, 2011
4:47 pm
Would going after Bourn really mean that they had given up on Shaf? They could always look to move him to left if/when Chipper retires and they move Prado to thrid. Then you have two fast guys at the top of the lineup.
AlabamaBrave
July 29th, 2011
4:47 pm
Pirates are buyers this year who’d of thunk it? They need some more bats. The Cubs are looking to dump salalry. Think the Buccos might make a run at Pena?
TennesseePaul
July 29th, 2011
4:48 pm
This is hilarious. Bourn and Upton aren’t perfect fits but Carlos Quentin makes sense? The Quentin move would require the Braves to essentially give up on Heyward or Prado for the rest of this season. DOB didn’t seem to have a problem presuming the Braves would do that. Now it’s time to leave what we would do out of the discussion?
uh-oh some body stepped on the toes of Payne’s favorite player ever.
Eric
July 29th, 2011
4:48 pm
Coco? O heck no
Wookie Ninja
July 29th, 2011
4:48 pm
Costanza??? WOW! leadoff hitter supremo! Wren sure is a tightass!
RC
July 29th, 2011
4:48 pm
Looking at Constanza’s AAA numbers….more triples than doubles and HR combined. And he actually seems to have decent periphials. This might not be such a bad thing after all….
MFin04
July 29th, 2011
4:48 pm
“Nate went on the DL with an abdominal problem”
Was it from all the whining and complaining at balls/strikes and the cut of the outfield grass?
Lollygagger
July 29th, 2011
4:48 pm
Hey DOB -
I know in your blog you say Pastornicky won’t be ready for SS until 2013, but do you think there’s any chance at all that The Pastor gets a September call-up this year and gets a chance to prove himself for 2012? He seems to be a bit of what the Braves need- a guy who can hit at top of order and use his serious wheels.
boondawg
July 29th, 2011
4:48 pm
My guess is that Wren has the deal that he wants practically done and is just staying in the Pence talks to drive the price up on the Phillies.
Trojan
July 29th, 2011
4:48 pm
Micheal Borne is better than any outfielder on the Braves roster. He may not be a stud but he is at least average. No other Brave OF can say that.
Lollygagger
July 29th, 2011
4:48 pm
well, crap. Sorry about all the bold
ronnie
July 29th, 2011
4:49 pm
in typical braves fashion we will pick up whoever is the oldest with the worst avg. because we don’t wat to trade a pitcher who may be great someday.
Joey
July 29th, 2011
4:49 pm
It’s true, Blankster. I did a lot of reading about Balco Labs, that “treated” lots of athletes, including Bonds and Marion Jones, and the owner, Victor Conte gave some eye-popping interviews. He even said something to the effect that he, “created the home run champ.”
HGH not only makes someone bigger, faster, and stronger, it gives them a lot more stamina, speeds up “turn-around” (which like you wrote, really helps MLB players because they play everyday), and last but not least, eyesight. In Balco’s tests, HGH improved an athlete’s eyesight by up to 50%.
So, a hitter not only gets an improved “quick bat” and improved batspeed, but can see the ball up to 50% better. Read some of that and you’ll see why Bonds became superman.
Bet old Hank would have hit 1500 dingers if he coulda got some of that stuff . . .
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
4:49 pm
Bourn seems to be so over-the-top obvious as the best fit for the Braves (CF, good speed, good OBP) that I cannot believe that Pence even gets the time-of-day (RF, fair speed, fair OBP).
I just don’t get it either. We need a lead-off centerfielder more than anything. He steals bases as good as anyone. He wins gold gloves. And he also comes cheaper in terms of what we’ll be giving up and salary. Braves management are complete morons for not acquiring this guy yet and looking at guys like Pence, Quinton, and not to mention losers like Willingham and Ludwick, etc… instead.
It’s just insanely stupid.
bring back blauser
July 29th, 2011
4:49 pm
frank wren is not stupid, he knows these other teams are asking a kings ransom for their players because both atlanta and philly are both bidding for the same players. goes back to the fact of inflation supply and demand you want them we got them and we gonna sell to the highest bidder even though what we want is far more than what they are worth. let philly give away the farm for whomever they are targeting. you can bet that the next in line has had a drop in value due to the fact that only one team is there to bid
CrαZy
July 29th, 2011
4:50 pm
Veer,
You’ve not seen Constanza in person have you?
RC
July 29th, 2011
4:50 pm
Would going after Bourn really mean that they had given up on Shaf? They could always look to move him to left if/when Chipper retires and they move Prado to thrid. Then you have two fast guys at the top of the lineup.
Completely agree. It’s not like having 2 elite defensive OF is a bad thing. I see Bourn more as a 1.5 year move, whom you allow to leave via free agency, hopefully once Schafer has developed a bit more.
Brave New World
July 29th, 2011
4:50 pm
Maybe McLouth is being pulled from the line up because he is a key player in a blockbuster deal…damn alarm clock, I was having such a nice dream during my nap.
Craig
July 29th, 2011
4:50 pm
Bourn would be a great option, lefty be damned.
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
4:50 pm
SB75-I agree Upton is the best fit, but Willingham would be a nice situational starter vs lefties and nice bench piece.
Heyward grounds out to second
July 29th, 2011
4:51 pm
Get Quentin. Pence is probably being taken by the Phillies. Our two biggest rivals, the Giants and the Phillies have picked up bats to make their offense better. Wren needs to give up whoever is the worst of those prospects for Quentin, or we’re not going to stand a chance, and might miss the playoffs as well.
Lollygagger
July 29th, 2011
4:51 pm
My guess is that Wren has the deal that he wants practically done and is just staying in the Pence talks to drive the price up on the Phillies.
Funny, I thought the exact opposite. I think the Phillies are doing what they are doing to drive the price up for the Braves and get some of those coming prospects outta the division.
TennesseePaul
July 29th, 2011
4:51 pm
Was it from all the whining and complaining at balls/strikes and the cut of the outfield grass?
I think it was from being repeatedly kicked while he was down.
RC
July 29th, 2011
4:51 pm
CrαZy,
I have not seen Constanza in person since the spring. I remember not being that impressed with him, but after looking up his numbers this year they are much better than I expected. What’s his game like?
Falcons Mgmt Have What It Takes
July 29th, 2011
4:51 pm
At least we have one team in town with the Balls to get the deal done!!!!! Go Falcons! Atlanta Braves SUCK!
GT Alum
July 29th, 2011
4:51 pm
DOB -
Got to agree with sone others here. How is getting Bourn giving up on Schafer any more than getting Quentin is giving up on Heyward? Wouldn’t Bourn be highly tradeable after the season if Chipper returns? And wouldn’t having Bourn, Schafer and Heyward in the OF if he doesn’t be even better than Heyward, Quentin and Schafer? And with Bourn, you have a ready solution if Schafer does flop. Then you’re only looking for a LF (or nothing if Chipper returns).
Heyward grounds out to second
July 29th, 2011
4:51 pm
Upton has an attitude problem and hasn’t produced as well as he should, Quentin is best bet to me.
Richmond Braves Fan
July 29th, 2011
4:52 pm
DOB not that Diory is a huge loss but why didn’t the Braves just transfer Marek to the 60 day DL and keep Diory for now?
No, No, No
July 29th, 2011
4:52 pm
We dont need a corner outfielder…..period
TennesseePaul
July 29th, 2011
4:52 pm
Funny, I thought the exact opposite.
Maybe you’re both right and the only loser in the bunch is the Astros.
mj
July 29th, 2011
4:52 pm
The Braves should reachout to Otis Nixon and offer him a position of teaching Schafer how to bunt because if Jordan could regulary use that skill along with his speed he would be the leadoff guy we have been looking for.
Craig
July 29th, 2011
4:52 pm
Also, I do not see why we could not pick up Bourn AND Willingham, with Willingham being the 4th OF.
Schafer Is A Druggie Loser
July 29th, 2011
4:52 pm
Schafer is a Druggie Loser and needs to be deep six’ed with Kawasucki.
tony austin
July 29th, 2011
4:53 pm
I didn’t know Langerhans was still around.
Brave New World
July 29th, 2011
4:53 pm
If the Phillies get Pence, I hope it’s because they traded Halladay, Lee, and Hamels. One can always hope.
Spuds McKenzie
July 29th, 2011
4:53 pm
Why not Barry Bonds?
Jbailz
July 29th, 2011
4:53 pm
Maybe all Upton needs is a change of scenery? Come to the Braves where there are some legitimate vets to take him and get him to cut the crap. I’d love to see him in a Braves uniform because I think we have the guys that will get him to be the player he has the talent to be.
Jim Hertel
July 29th, 2011
4:54 pm
Sometimes, I just don’t understand the Braves’ moves. I don’t think Diory was anything special, but he was better than that corpse Lugo. Can anyone tell me what Lugo has left and what, if anything, he adds to the team?
Lew
July 29th, 2011
4:54 pm
Jim Hertel – We didn’t go far because we lost Prado, but Derrek Lee put up a line of ,287, .384, .465, with an OPS (included to piss off Shaun who likes to add things himself) of .849 with 3 HR, 14 2B and 24 RBI in 39 games.
I’d like to see those numbers from whatever bat we get now.
RC
July 29th, 2011
4:54 pm
Also, I do not see why we could not pick up Bourn AND Willingham, with Willingham being the 4th OF.
I don’t see a problem with that, except that the price might get a little steep. But I’d rather have that option that Quentin. I simply don’t think he’s that good.
Bravofan
July 29th, 2011
4:54 pm
Got some cool Braves coasters with dirt in the center from the Ted!
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
4:56 pm
Robert-It is being reported that Houston has been offered Brown, but would rather have Braves pitching prospects. Houston would be trading Brown, like Toronto did with Jackson.
TennesseePaul
July 29th, 2011
4:56 pm
“We dont need a conrer outfielder……period”
Braves starting RF: .223/.311/.401 — 16% less than the league average RF
Braves overall RF production: .227/.300/.385 — 23% less than the league average RF
CF and RF are the weakest hitting outfield positions on the team. Outfield happens to be the most available on the trade market.
abeeeewright
July 29th, 2011
4:56 pm
Enter your comments here
boondawg
July 29th, 2011
4:57 pm
My guess is that Wren has the deal that he wants practically done and is just staying in the Pence talks to drive the price up on the Phillies.
Funny, I thought the exact opposite. I think the Phillies are doing what they are doing to drive the price up for the Braves and get some of those coming prospects outta the division.
Well sometimes your house burns up and sometimes your house burns down. Could be either one. I just don’t see our Braves commiting to that kind of salary next year.
Jim Hertel
July 29th, 2011
4:57 pm
Lew, I must admit that I’m shocked, and if those numbers are true — then I stand corrected on Derrick. I guess Fredi is rubbing off on me. It didn’t “seem” like he did that much for us.
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
4:57 pm
I don’t want to hear BJ Upton’s name. What would be the point of acquiring him? To have another black guy in the dugout to make Jason Heyward less like an outsider? To bring in another low OBP guy to raise self-esteem among current Braves? Seriously. We’d be acquiring the wrong Upton.
Justin Upton = Cal Ripken
BJ Upton = Billy Ripken
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
4:58 pm
glove51-I completely agree, Diory never given a real chance.
DHD
July 29th, 2011
4:58 pm
Coco and Quentin…..do it.
rotomeister
July 29th, 2011
4:58 pm
David, if you are right about what you said about Quentin here (”for me he’s much more a game-changing presence in the lineup”) then why is Pence costing so much more on the trade market. Youth. Upside. Five Tool player. Would be the face of the fanchise type of player that Francouer never became and Heyward might never become.
Lew
July 29th, 2011
4:58 pm
And of course, liberally interspersed with the incessant bitching are those idiots who truly believe it’s cute and humorous to make up derogatory names for players they don’t care for. Such maturity is staggering.
Bravofan
July 29th, 2011
4:59 pm
We designated Diory Hernandez for assignment just got on I don’t know if this has been posted.
onebravosfan
July 29th, 2011
4:59 pm
I complete agree. DFA Diory was a horrible idea. Lugo would be the first infielder to DFA. Very frustrating.
Lew
July 29th, 2011
4:59 pm
Jim Hertel – Got them straight from Baseball-Reference.com.
CrαZy
July 29th, 2011
4:59 pm
RC
He’s Matt Young / Brooks Conrad / Wes Timmons singles only hitter no power at all 104 hits 2 2B 4 3B and 1 HR he’s 5′9″ 150 Lb likely smaller.. He’s a scrappy player like Matt Young but, like I said earlier there’s a reason these guys are still in the minors in their late 20’s. I was never impressed by him and I’ve been to at least 12 or 13 Gwinnett games this year.
Dumbfound
July 29th, 2011
5:00 pm
DHD
July 29th, 2011
4:58 pm
Coco and Quentin…..do it.
I’m coo coo for Coco Coco Puffs !
CrαZy
July 29th, 2011
5:00 pm
Well not like Brooks not sure why I put him on that list?
Chris from the Rock
July 29th, 2011
5:00 pm
Constanza’s in the lineup? I might have to celebrate by watching Rochelle, Rochelle after the game tonight.
CrαZy
July 29th, 2011
5:02 pm
He’s a good minor leaguer AAAA player… Seems like a good guy though hope he does good!
DOC
July 29th, 2011
5:02 pm
It’s gonna take more than one player for us to win a playoff series. Period
RC
July 29th, 2011
5:02 pm
CrαZy,
Got it. He does seems to have had much better results than Young though, particularly his BB% and K%. Of course that could be more a result of AAA pitching than his offensive skills.
richie
July 29th, 2011
5:02 pm
as long as chipper is on a “play when i feel like it” kick, we cant make moves for the future. Get Bourn for center and dump schafer and mclouth after the season. get a middle relief arm and reed johnson for the bench. that will prob net us a wild card birth and a first round playoff loss. just being a realist. i really hope they do something big but…
Chris from the Rock
July 29th, 2011
5:02 pm
D-Backs just acquired Langerhans. They must have needed a warm body for their AA team.
Ralph
July 29th, 2011
5:02 pm
From everything DOB said Ludwick will be the one they get, if anything, because he is the worse possible choice , he is garbage and if SD don’t find a succer they will throw him in the dumpster then Wren will get him for sure.
faninva
July 29th, 2011
5:03 pm
chris from the rock -
I believe it is about an erotic journey from Milan to Minsk.
Supes
July 29th, 2011
5:03 pm
DOB,
another nice blog…thank you kindly sir. I’ve enjoyed reading your thoughts and reasons for each proposed player/trade that’s been made available.
Gotta say Hunter Pence is a good player, but he’s not great. Astros are seriously over valuing his worth…I sincerely hope the Phillies overpay and drain their farm system from 2 of their top 4 prospects at the very least…in 3-4 years time I’ll be laughing seeing their aging team without new home grown talent to support it.
As far as Upton’s character issues…maybe he needs a ‘change of scenery’ but he sure has a lot of potential, more than any of the other players you’ve mentioned.
Jim Hertel
July 29th, 2011
5:03 pm
Lew, I must admit that I’m shocked.
poop
July 29th, 2011
5:03 pm
Brooks Conrad is a singles only hitter? No, almost half his hits in the major leagues were for extra bases.
rotomeister
July 29th, 2011
5:03 pm
This from Mark Bowman at mlb.com: “Ryan Ludwick is at the top of the Braves’ wish list.” How sad is that? He’d fit right in with this pathetic offense.
N8
July 29th, 2011
5:04 pm
Agree on the Bourn/Schafer arguement.
In the event that Chipper retired and Prado moved to 3B, one of them could play LF. Bourn at leadoff, Schafer at 8th in the order.
It’s too bad Bourn isn’t a switch hitter or RH. Because that leaves us very LH heavy again with Mac, Freeman and Heyward in the lineup.
But for the most part Mac and Freeman “handle” LH pitching well and Heyward did too when he decided he wanted to take the ball the other way.
Not sure it’s any different than the 95 WS winning team that had Chipper, Klesko, Justice and McGriff in the middle of their order. The only RH batters in that lineup were Grissom, Javy and Blauser (Belliard in the playoffs). Surely having Prado and Uggla is the equal to having Javy and Grissom.
Which leaves us with Gonzo or his replacement to be the other RH bat.
Of course Chipper is a switch hitter so that helped against LHP. But if you recall, early in Chipper’s career he was pretty worthless other than BA against LH pithing.
The other factor is that Hinske and Conrad are our main bats off the bench and Conrad is more potent LH.
So if Wren could find another RH bat for the bench (preferably an infielder) that could replace Lugo and simply sent Schafer to AAA for the remainder of the year. Snagging Bourn might be the best option.
We are near the league lead in HR. But need more guys on base. As for the LH/RH thing? We’ve handled Cliff Lee just fine so far and there aren’t too many other LH starters on many of the other NL playoff teams other than Hamels.
I’m not so sure Wren isn’t overthinking this whole need for a RH bat thing. Hard to say. Especially for the remainder of the year if Chipper can contribute.
We always have Ross on the bench come playoff time too. At some point you have to gamble that Mac won’t get hurt in a playoff game and use your weapons.
So many ways Wren could go right now.
Mister Frisky
July 29th, 2011
5:04 pm
How about Mc Lousey to the 60 DL that would just do it for his stay with the Braves.
TennesseePaul
July 29th, 2011
5:04 pm
those idiots who truly believe it’s cute and humorous to make up derogatory names for players they don’t care for
You mean, names like “unfortuNATE”?
Lew
July 29th, 2011
5:04 pm
jbailz – BJ Upton has been a MLB player for seven years – the last five of them full seasons. If he hasn’t figured it out by now that he needs to grow up and perform to the level of potential that Shaun seems to believe exudes from his very pores, any veteran influence that the Braves might provide will make no difference, whatsoever.
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
5:05 pm
rotomeister-Pence is for Houston (that is why he is being overvalued) plus the hustle, but would not be for Braves.
Chop Chop
July 29th, 2011
5:05 pm
You know, if the Braves put Minor in a deal with Schafer and McLouth, the Cubs might take that return for Byrd and Reed Johnson. You don’t get much in the way of power, but you do get an everyday CF for the rest of this year and next and add a plausible option (who hits lefties well) to play some LF or RF this season. Get the Cubs to take on McLouth’s salary (and pay Byrd’s) and I think that deal would make a lot of sense.
Chop Chop
July 29th, 2011
5:06 pm
Or pay McLouth’s and let them pay Byrd’s. Something like that.
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
5:07 pm
In the event that Chipper retired and Prado moved to 3B, one of them could play LF. Bourn at leadoff, Schafer at 8th in the order.
We don’t need both Bourn and Schafer. That would just be stupid. If we make the trade, Jordan is going to Houston. Which would be fine because he is terrible and hasn’t shown any progress.
braves are pretenders!!
July 29th, 2011
5:07 pm
Blauser, hate to disagree with you, but Wren is stupid. My god, even Nate was one of his great pickups, and the braves are stuck with his $6 or 7 million. Add that to Lowe’s $15 million, Hudson’s $12 million, K.K’s $7 or 8 million, and Chipper’s $15 million, and you see what a wonderful G.M he is. This guy hasn’t made a wise decision since he has been G.M, the young talent the braves have has nothing to do with this moron. Yet you think he is smart, my God, whatever you are smoking tell me where you got it. The braves are getting no production what so ever out of the$55 plus million in salaries they are paying the worn out losers listed above, and yet you think Wren knows what the hell he is doing. Name me one deal this clown has made that is paying off for the braves? He has put this team in such a whole that they have no money until next year to try and do anything. If it weren’t for the young arms, Venters, Kimbrel, Hanson,O’Flarity,Beachy, and the stud Freeman, this team would be 15 games below .500, and Wren has nothing to do with these players. These are the only players producing for the braves, none of the overpaid, over the hill acquisitions Wren has made are contributing shi—t!! Oh yeah, forgot about Chipper the designated 15 day disabled list stud, and Hudson the wonderful sinkerball stud with an ERA close to 4.00 that Wren resigned for close to $30 million per year. This guy is a joke, and so is the manager he hired for peanuts, the south florida mexican Fredi the freak.
Mister Frisky
July 29th, 2011
5:07 pm
Ludwick getting flushed by SD last seen floating past Cabo heading for Panama Canal.Eta 48 hrs to the ATL.
Lew
July 29th, 2011
5:08 pm
Again, just like with Rodrigo Lopez and Wil Nieves, y’all are making way more of a big deal out of the insignificance of Diory Hernadez’s release than it deserves.
Dude’s been a career minor leaguer, posting no speical numbers and who did nothing noteworthy in the time he spent at the MLB level.
This should be a non issue. Dude was a scrub fill in that wasn’t going to play more than a game every now and then.
poop
July 29th, 2011
5:08 pm
Do you people still not understand that you can’t trade players who are on the DL?
Chop Chop
July 29th, 2011
5:08 pm
Lew,
Diory once hit a HR, though. We can’t give up on him.
BehindEnemyLines
July 29th, 2011
5:09 pm
Would take Bourn over any of the options I’ve seen mentioned all season. In a heartbeat.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
5:10 pm
although a bit surprising, there was nothing horrible about dumping Diory, he has been a complete bust as an MLB hitter albeit in limited chances, and has never been a particularly good defensive player.
I assume they went with experience like they almost always do,
N Nine
July 29th, 2011
5:10 pm
Can’t wait to see Wilberto Nieves!!!!!!!!!!!
BravesFAN
July 29th, 2011
5:10 pm
DOB I’m amazed you seem like we should give Schafer a shot but seem ok to platoon Heyward with somebody. If you look at Schafer and Heywards numbers they’re not very diff other than Heyward hits for a LOT more power and gets on base more. Why stick with a lead off man that can’t even get on base at a .300 clip?????? I’m amazed you don’t think Michael Bourn makes the most sense. Quentin is a career .255 hitter and if you take out his one great yr 08 which seems like a blip in the radar w batting avg at least he’s a career .240 hitter!!! Last two years CQ has hit .236 and .243 PATHETIC!!!!! Do we need ANOTHER .250 kinda guy??? I don’t want another Dan Uggla I think we need a guy that can hit for avg, get on base, and make things happen with his feet, that plays GREAT D in CF!!!!! WE NEED MICHAEL BOURN!!!!
Slowhiteguy
July 29th, 2011
5:10 pm
Nate has played his last game as a Brave.
kelevra
July 29th, 2011
5:10 pm
nelson cruz was a career minor leaguer before figuring out in the majors
Bravofan
July 29th, 2011
5:10 pm
Bourn over Ludwick any day of the week!
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
5:10 pm
Do you people still not understand that you can’t trade players who are on the DL?
It’s not fantasy baseball.
glove51
July 29th, 2011
5:11 pm
Just to clarify: I don’t care too much about Diory H. being DFA’d. I just think he could’ve done at least as well as Lugo, likely better.
Jerry Blooger
July 29th, 2011
5:11 pm
poop you can with commisioners office approval 1st
unbelievable
July 29th, 2011
5:12 pm
Jose Constanza? But Upton, Bourn, Crisp arent our biggest needs? Get a CF’r and stop playing these god awful/useless players.
JC from DR! (You gotta tip your cap to ____)
July 29th, 2011
5:12 pm
Carlos Quentin to the Brave!
Carlos Quentin to the Brave!
Carlos Quentin to the Brave!
Carlos Quentin to the Brave!
Carlos Quentin to the Brave!
Carlos Quentin to the Brave!
Carlos Quentin to the Brave!
unbelievable
July 29th, 2011
5:12 pm
Id much rather have Diory on the 40 man instead of Hicks.
Chop Chop
July 29th, 2011
5:12 pm
poop,
You can trade players on the DL as long as the Commissioner approves it.
DHD
July 29th, 2011
5:12 pm
It is amazing how the media has all of a sudden made Hunter Pence a superstar. How did he become the trade darling?
abeeeewright
July 29th, 2011
5:13 pm
If the Braves get Bourn, wouldn’t he be replacing McLouth/Schafer. Aren’t they both LH hitters as well?
unbelievable
July 29th, 2011
5:13 pm
Or better yet, Matt Young
Bravofan
July 29th, 2011
5:13 pm
From Ross: “I think we all know we need a piece. I don’t think we’re desperate for a piece. But another presence in the lineup would be nice. Especially being as left-handed heavy as we are, a right handed bat [is needed]. [We hear] the rumors. Wren hasn’t actually talked to me. He’s not really blowing up my phone, asking my opinion.”
Mister Frisky
July 29th, 2011
5:13 pm
There are reports of a piece of crap resembling Willingham moving south down the inter coastal.We can only pray it meets the fate of the manatee and gets churned up by a propeller.
JC from DR! (You gotta tip your cap to ____)
July 29th, 2011
5:13 pm
Carlos Quentin to the Braves!
Carlos Quentin to the Braves!
Carlos Quentin to the Braves!
Carlos Quentin to the Braves!
Carlos Quentin to the Braves!
Carlos Quentin to the Braves!
Make It Happen!
Make It Happen!
Make It Happen!
Make It Happen!
Make It Happen!
Make It Happen!
Make It Happen!
Make It Happen!
Fab-Five Fredi
July 29th, 2011
5:14 pm
Jose Costanza=Otis Nixon..I like this kid..Compare their stats. We just need Jose to get on base, not strike out and run crazy on the base paths.
Lew
July 29th, 2011
5:14 pm
Ten Paul – UnfortuNate is hardly derogatory or totally mean spirited and racial like some of the BS names come up with for Kawakami and others.
It pretty much sums up his 2010 season – and you might notice I haven’t used it in months – if at all this season.
Slowhiteguy
July 29th, 2011
5:15 pm
I still have a bad feeling it will be Connor Jackson.
BravesFAN
July 29th, 2011
5:15 pm
WREN and Fredi like Schafer bc the few times he consistently gets on base he’s made things happen with his feet. Well Bourn routinely gets on base at a consistent rate and steals more bases than ANYBODY IN THE NL!!!!!! He’s Jordan Schafer times 1000000000!!!!! He will make this Braves team better than any other option out there including Pence, Quentin, Upton. Bourn is exactly what we need A REAL LEADOFF MAN THAT IS ELECTRIC ON THE BASE PATHS (39 SBs) I really think it’s a no brainer….
rico43
July 29th, 2011
5:15 pm
Diory was DFA, not released. He could accept a minor league contract and stay with the Braves at Gwinnett, or take a release and try his luck as a FA.
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
5:16 pm
Braves need to get Michael Bourn and Reed Johnson (who is a right-handed bat that is absolutely tearing up the ball this season and would cost NOTHING). Throw Johnson in left when Prado has to play 3rd or platoon him with Heyward if the kid continues to struggle.
N Nine
July 29th, 2011
5:16 pm
Hopefully no one get Diory, Gwinnett would be devastated. He’s the face in Gwinnett for years to come.
Andrew in PA
July 29th, 2011
5:16 pm
Just saw on CSN Philly, Astros want Dom Brown included with Cosart and Singleton. Then they will trade Brown for prospects and are looking for another team to finish trade. That would be a hell of a hual for Astros. Astros feel they have no need for Dom Brown.
TBFKB (Billy)
July 29th, 2011
5:16 pm
Hudson has been worth every cent he has being paid. Can not knock Wren for he Lowe move in light of our SP problems back when he signed. Any one question the money paid to Chipper doesn’t understand the loyalty the Braves showed him. Chipper value to the team and business side makes his contract a bargain. He sells allot of jerseys. If I’m not mistaken, Wren brought our arguably best SP to us via the E. Renteria trade……..He stole Uggla from Florida. The only blemish you can give him is Lowe contract, but I give him a pass for that considering the circumstances behind it. You can talk about Nate McClouth being a bad deal but at the time McClouth was not what he is today.
Rowsdower
July 29th, 2011
5:16 pm
UPDATE: According to all the reports late Thursday and early Friday, the Astros and Phillies were not able to come to an agreement on a package for Pence and the Astros apparently like what Atlanta has to offer — except the Braves aren’t offering that kind of package right now.
As a result, ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark reports, the Astros and Phillies are looking for a third team to get involved so the Astros can get what they want for Pence. Joel Sherman of the New York Post tweets that the Phillies may shop outfielder Domonic Brown to a third team to try and land the necessary young talent to redirect to Houston in a deal for Pence. The Astros wants more pitching, SI.com’s Jon Heyman tweets.
…
UPDATE: Reports are coming out Friday that the Astros prefer to deal Pence to the Braves because they like their prospects better, tweets SI.com’s Jon Heyman, but Atlanta has yet to give indications they are willing to move young pitching.
…
UPDATE: Zachary Levine of the Houston Chronicle says a deal for Pence could be completed as soon as Friday.
PULL THE TRIGGER. He will be with the team for 2 more years. He is perfect for our clubhouse and he fills a gaping hole. This should be a no-brainer…
AtlYnkHtr
July 29th, 2011
5:17 pm
DHD, its simple really, he is the best available.
ahahhaahahha
July 29th, 2011
5:17 pm
remember last year ankiel give to the braves the only win in NLDS and Farnsworth earn the save in same game , plus Glaus start a key 5-4-3 double play in the game with the winning run on 3rd and 1 out one inning before ankiel hit a go-ahead homerun!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
5:17 pm
I would be content with Byrd to man CF for remainder of this season. Then compete with Schafer in 2012, Byrd could easily shift to LF if Chipper retires or be perfect 4th OF who can plan all three positions.
Another option I wish the Braves would consider trading for is Dexter Fowler.
Byrd or Fowler would be more in line with what Braves are comfortable with prospect price wise.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
5:18 pm
Do you people still not understand that you can’t trade players who are on the DL?…..POOP
you know, when you say something that aggressively you really ought to be certain that you are correct. and you are not. Players on the DL CAN be traded if oked by MLB. doesn’t happen all that often but it is allowed
rotomeister
July 29th, 2011
5:18 pm
DHD, you must not watch him play. Check his stats: 25 HR for 3 straight seasons at age 24, 25 and 26. He’s just entering his prime. He is not a media creation. He’s a five-tool player who plays hard. And we would control his contract for two more seasons. We do not want to see this guy in a Phillies uniform.
curtisjones
July 29th, 2011
5:18 pm
News flash: Costanza starts in CF for Braves tonight! Kramer could not be reached for comment.
tony austin
July 29th, 2011
5:18 pm
I think I may be on the Bourne bandwagon also. I liked Quentin, was never too high on Pence and Upton, and please just say NO to Ludwick and Willingham. From all that I have read I think I like Bourne the best for this team.
Larry
July 29th, 2011
5:18 pm
Tomorrow is not promised…the time is now!
Lew
July 29th, 2011
5:18 pm
Sounds like the Stros are like the Padres with the potential Peavy deal a few years back. Ended up not getting anything by attempting to milk the Braves for all they were worth.
Luther
July 29th, 2011
5:19 pm
Either go for a huge player or don’t give up too much. Just need someone to get hot. Don’t care if its Ludwick, Willingham, etc.
265/316/405
288/354/466
294/390/686
Cody Ross in 2010 with the Marlins, SF reg season after release, and playoffs.
rotomeister
July 29th, 2011
5:19 pm
Rowsdower. I agree with you 100%. We’d have a power hitting outfielder with speeed who is would join McCann as the only other .300 hitter in our lineup.
SB75
July 29th, 2011
5:19 pm
Bobby…… Where would Will play? Sure he’d be okay at a corner spot in a platoon sit. But right now and for the next 10 days or so, we have no starting caliber CF’er. Also, cost is the biggest thing with me. While we won’t have to give up a top prospect for Will, they will want someone in out top 15. And to me Clemens, Simmons, Hoover, ect. have more value than a rental that’s not a game changer. Will is a decent player, but he’s not the get over the hump type player. If we can’t get a guy we need ( CF’er), just sit tight on those specs. They will have more value in the off-season, it’s a seller’s market right now. FW doesn’t need to panic.
Bravofan
July 29th, 2011
5:20 pm
Chipper Jones acknowledged the team could use another bat but he cautioned against players being distracted by the trade talk.
“I’m confident that we’ll do something,” he said. “What it is? I don’t know. To what magnitude? I don’t know. I’m pretty confident we’ll better our ballclub in the next couple of days. But the guys in here need to worry about the Florida Marlins [the next opponent]. And we’re confident we can win games with what we’ve got. So everybody’s kind of been instructed to stay tunneled in on what our goal is every day and not worry about Frank Wren’s job.”
When asked if he believed the team needs to make a trade, Jones responded, “I’m not going to alienate my current teammates. All teams can probably benefit from an injection of new blood when it’s a quality player. But we don’t have 60-plus wins for nothing. We’re a pretty good ballclub. We do it our way. As long as we pitch, we’re going to win. If we don’t pitch, we’re going to struggle.”
But Seriously
July 29th, 2011
5:20 pm
With Braves falling like flies, shouldn’t the Braves consider standing pat?
Does no good to try to get help when you don’t have a lineup for the acquision to help!
faninva
July 29th, 2011
5:20 pm
curtisjones – i thought he was yankees property! we made a deal afterall.
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
5:20 pm
Rowsdower-Did you not read what Houston turned down from Phillies? Pence is not worth the bounty required by Houston!
richie
July 29th, 2011
5:20 pm
Per Buster Olney: ” as of 515 an executive said the Phillies have no intention of including Dominic Brown in a trade for Hunter Pence”
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
5:21 pm
Am I the only one who thinks Jordan Schafer is terrible?
Andrew in PA
July 29th, 2011
5:21 pm
Buster_ESPNBuster Olney
by mlbtraderumors
As of 5:15 p.m., NL source says the Phillies have no intention of putting Domonic Brown in a deal for Pence
But Seriously
July 29th, 2011
5:22 pm
The only problem with Bourne is you just add ANOTHER left handed bat.
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2011
5:22 pm
McLouth’s lower ab strain occured on his throw to the cutoff man last night, we’re told. Someone in clubhouse said they thought he’d been playing with a sports hernia for a while. Anyway, back on the 15-day DL for McLouth, and now Constanza is leading off in his major league debut at age 27.
Puma
July 29th, 2011
5:22 pm
ahahhaahahha – did you have to mention Glaus – I had completely blocked it from my brain that he ever even played for Braves. Dang, it was painful watching him
Slowhiteguy
July 29th, 2011
5:23 pm
It will be something like Connor Jackson and Grant Balfour from Oakland for prospects.
faninva
July 29th, 2011
5:23 pm
dob – thanks for the update on Nate.
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
5:23 pm
Constanza is leading off in his major league debut at age 27.
So, apparently this guy isn’t good.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
5:24 pm
Constanza 3-4 with 2 triples and three steals. 5 RS in a big win
VaBravesFan
July 29th, 2011
5:24 pm
McCann, McLouth, Schafer on DL, Chipper still banged up and Heyward struggling still. Wren needs to make a move very soon or we might let other teams catch us in the wild card.
CJ
July 29th, 2011
5:24 pm
mclouth out, mccann out, schafer out, chipper out….braves will make a significant move in the next 48 hours.
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
5:25 pm
SB75-Willingham could start in LF when Prado plays 3B. He could spell Heyward. He could even spell Freeman on rare occasion. I doubt he would cost top 15 prospect, but who knows.
I just think he is much better option than Ludwick. That was my original point.
I agree that CF should be priority: Byrd, Fowler, Upton.
faninva
July 29th, 2011
5:25 pm
vabravesfan – greatings and salutations from the commonwealth.
Bravofan
July 29th, 2011
5:25 pm
Now Nate oh well he won’t be missed.
jb
July 29th, 2011
5:25 pm
Ron Gant on MLB said, BJ Upton would be a perfect fit for Braves. Said his average was low but everything else was a plus.Best defense Cf in league, cannon for arm,power and speed.5 star player. Coming to Braves would be what the Dr. ordered for him to show his talent.would be a 30-30 player.Forget the past the kid can play and he is cheaper and you have him for 2 years.
Thats all Ron Gant’s take on Upton..he should know better than sportwriters and bloggers…
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
5:26 pm
Acquire Bourn and another smaller right handed bat? (Reed Johnson)
faninva
July 29th, 2011
5:26 pm
i meant “greetings”
anyway.
tony austin
July 29th, 2011
5:26 pm
“As long as we pitch, we’re going to win. If we don’t pitch, we’re going to struggle” – Chipper Jones
Wow. In other words, ‘We are not a good offense and we have no intention or desire in trying to become a better offense.’
superiorblogman
July 29th, 2011
5:26 pm
Minor,Beachy, Schafer, and a 2nd tier prospect for Matt Kemp or you are just coming up with a band-aid. Dodgers have financial trouble and nobody is calling about Kemp, what dummie GM’s. I bet that is the last minute salary dump the Yankees are sitting around waiting on and I don’t blame them. I would call them Saturday night and offer Minor, Beachy, Schafer, and a 2nd tier prospect for Kemp so no one else can get in on it, take it or leave it.
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
5:26 pm
Ive been calling for Constanza to get his shot for MONTHS!!! So glad he’s getting a shot and I commend Fredi for batting him leadoff and not 8th!
I hope he does well enough to stick around for the rest of the season or more. Schafer is severely overrated and Nates days are all but done in ATL.
If Constanza can do what he did in AAA all this time, we don’t need Bourn.
nique
July 29th, 2011
5:27 pm
Have the Braves tried stretching before the games? These guys are so fragile.
lobo
July 29th, 2011
5:27 pm
Willingham and ludwick not worth a prospect..both rental..2 months they gone.
VaBravesfan
July 29th, 2011
5:27 pm
Maybe it’s just me, but I’d trade Minor for Quentin in a flash
JC from DR! (You gotta tip your cap to ____)
July 29th, 2011
5:27 pm
ahahhaahahha – did you have to mention Glaus – I had completely blocked it from my brain that he ever even played for Braves. Dang, it was painful watching him
It wasn’t painful during the month of may, or was it?
tiger297
July 29th, 2011
5:27 pm
N8 how in the world can you even think to compare this team to the ‘95 world series champions. Seriously what are you thinking?
Oh wait nevermind
The Dude
July 29th, 2011
5:28 pm
McClouth to the DL! Schafer already on the DL…espn said we called up the Gwinett CF….thinking Bourn or Upton would be a better choice.
Rowsdower
July 29th, 2011
5:28 pm
@bobby – I did see what the Astros turned down. The Phillies are trying to get him on the cheap. They won’t deal Brown or Worley. The Braves have the pieces that the Astros want. The Braves have a bounty of young pitchers. If Pence were a half year rental, I wouldn’t do it. He isn’t. He is a good player in his prime with 2 more years of control. What’s not to love? Did I mention we would also be keeping him from the hated Phillies?
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
5:28 pm
Ron Gant on MLB said, BJ Upton would be a perfect fit for Braves.
You’re taking Ron Gant’s analysis seriously? He is the worst.
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
5:28 pm
Rotomeister-Why not mention that Pence is on pace for only 17 HR’s this year? Or that he is only slightly above average away from Houston’s bandbox? Braves should steer clear of Houston’s asking price!
Fab-Five Fredi
July 29th, 2011
5:29 pm
Minor and a package for Pence is a small price to pay for a young OF entering his prime. Would be nice to lock him up and have the corners manned by Heyward and Pence. Along with Freeman and McCann, that is a heck of core to build around..Frankie Baybeee-Do It, Do It..Do it I tell yah…
noliee
July 29th, 2011
5:29 pm
.Best defense Cf in league,
Gant said that huh? he might be one of the best if he hustled on any kind of a regular basis.
he has been pretty mediocre the last three years especially going deep
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2011
5:30 pm
Constanza hit .312 w/ .361 OBP, 7 extra-base hits (4 triples, 1 HR), 23 steals in 363 at-bats and 86 gms at Triple-A Gwinnett. I am certain I’ve never seen a hitter with twice as many triples (4) as doubles (2), like Constanza had at Triple-A
ahahhaahahha
July 29th, 2011
5:30 pm
“PUMA” in few words……. 2010 >>>>NO GLAUS=NO PLAY-OFFS
REMEMBER MAY AND JUNE
UNCBrave
July 29th, 2011
5:30 pm
I agree with Ron Gant 100%…..BJ Upton is the answer
glove51
July 29th, 2011
5:30 pm
Hicks has much more upside value than Diory.
Andrew in PA
July 29th, 2011
5:30 pm
Byrd and Infante!!
TBFKB (Billy)
July 29th, 2011
5:31 pm
Some of the tools are going to crash this blog when we don’t acquire Pence.
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
5:31 pm
Michael Bourn and Reed Johnson is all this team needs to do. Both guys are having good seasons and fit our needs more than bums like Ludwick and Willingham. Am I the only one who sees this? Pence is too expensive and Quentin doesn’t fit our scheme.
tiger297
July 29th, 2011
5:31 pm
noli – how many walks? cause 3 steals with 1 single and 2 triples is pretty incredible
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
5:31 pm
Constanza is going to be our Bourn. We are in desperate need of a high OBP guy with legit speed and I think we have him finally. Been hoping he’d get the call for months now! Cant wait for game time!
brian
July 29th, 2011
5:31 pm
Saban – great call.
Bourn is what we need. If the Braves decide to give Schafer another chance, they could trade Bourn in the offseason.
get Reed Johnson to help out Heyward in a platoon and could also platoon with Hinske when Prado is at 3B.
I would give Minor for Bourn and if it took more consider Clemens and then a third tier prospect.
Bourn will get on base and his speed will lead to fastballs and possibly a distracted pitcher when Prado, Chipper, McCann, etc come to bat
superiorblogman
July 29th, 2011
5:32 pm
So, the Braves call up a 27 year old and people get excited. A 21 year old who came in 2nd in rookie of the year votings the previous year is not putting up the numbers the fans want him to and people call for him to get traded or demoted. I swear we need some type of filter system for dumb arse fans
The Dude
July 29th, 2011
5:32 pm
I can see it now…if Constanza plays for a while, his name will be “Can’t Stand Ya” on this blog.
Rowsdower
July 29th, 2011
5:32 pm
Don’t forget that without Lowe in September we don’t make the playoffs. Wren is not the joke most clowns on here make him out to be.
VaBravesFan
July 29th, 2011
5:32 pm
I’m keeping up with all the MLB trade talk, and NFL Free Agency. Pretty exciting day and weekend ahead.
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2011
5:32 pm
And we can report that Constanza has arrived. Just got to ballpark, hugging some fellow players at batting cage. Wearing No. 17
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
5:32 pm
Would probably rather have Span than Bourn assuming Houston would ask for the moon, like for Pence.
Ernest
July 29th, 2011
5:32 pm
Nick Saban, you are not alone in your assessment of Schafer. I don’t understand the love affair many seem to have with him. You look at his stats and see he had 1 1/2 good seasons in the minors and that could be contributed to his use of PEDs.
He may be a nice guy and give good interviews but he is not a major leaguer yet, at least with the bat. He strikes out too much, walks too little and has a low OBP for a leadoff hitter. That is not my idea of a quality leadoff batter. His stats are a matter of record.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
5:33 pm
gonna steal home, not once but twice, tiger. guy is the cat’s meow. or maybe the tiger’s roar
rotomeister
July 29th, 2011
5:33 pm
Constanza? Where’s Gregor Blanco when we need him? LOL
Chop Chop
July 29th, 2011
5:34 pm
Constanza is ready for The Contest.
Puma
July 29th, 2011
5:34 pm
Loved Gant as a player, probably my favorite back in the day, we used to call him pipes in my family because of his huge arms.
TommyP
July 29th, 2011
5:34 pm
This is hilarious how the blog has absolutely blown up….DOB must be loving it.
I agree with just about everything DOB put in the blog. Ludwick makes no sense at all unless he comes dirt cheap after striking out on the bigger targets.
LOVE the idea of Bourne but not sure if they will even deal him. Any of Bourne, Quentin or Pence will make me happy as a Braves fan.
braves phanatik
July 29th, 2011
5:35 pm
so nearly every single hit george constanza has is a single? i guess thats not terrible as he is leading off… but this kid obviously has ZERO pop.
ExBraves Fan
July 29th, 2011
5:35 pm
Braves need bull pend help. Need to get rid of Lowe. Need either a LF or 3B. Need a SS. Need a CF. Need a RF if the flash in the pan is indeed that out there. Basically, Braves will be lucky to hold on to the wild card. They cannot even beat the Pirates. And forget it, the Pirates are the Pirates. Not the Red Sox.
But Seriously
July 29th, 2011
5:35 pm
“Constanza? Where’s Gregor Blanco when we need him? LOL”
Wow, my thoughts exactly! Sounds like Gregor!
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
5:35 pm
Most MLB players reach their prime at the age of 27. Though, he’s obviously not proven at the ML level, he’s been tearing up AAA pitching for years. Lets just hope he doesn’t try to do too much and he can be the catalyst that Schafer and McLouth haven’t been.
Jbailz
July 29th, 2011
5:35 pm
Lew – How long has Y Escobar been in the majors, I don’t think it’s as long as Upton by any means but I do think there is always a chance for someone to make a new start. The kid has loads of talent, maybe he’s suffering from Schaferitis and can’t remember how to let his speed make him great.
tiger297
July 29th, 2011
5:36 pm
nolie – ok you jogged my memory on a kid anecdote sure lots of folks hate them and I’m so…wait I meant I don’t care
I’m an LSU alum and his mom’s family are UK alums…when he was little (barely speaking) we taught him to roar for the tigers and meow for the wildcats
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
5:36 pm
Ppl comparing him to Blanco have never seen this guy play and probably never even looked at his numbers. He is very good. Just hope it translates in the bigs
Constanza
July 29th, 2011
5:36 pm
my #17 jersey is now available at braves.com. or you can pick one up at a mall near you!
noliee
July 29th, 2011
5:36 pm
yeah Ron was a good little player, but along with Joe and Brian constitutes 3 of the more stupid ex-Jock announcers on the same team JMO of course
VaBravesFan
July 29th, 2011
5:36 pm
Michael Bourn doesnt have nearly as much value as Hunter Pence, Im sure the Braves could work a deal out for him, The problem I see is that other teams might pay more.
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2011
5:36 pm
BRAVES LINEUP
1. Constanza CF
2. Prado 3B
3. Freeman 1B
4. Uggla 2B
5. Hinske LF
6. Ross C
7. Heyward RF
8. Gonzalez SS
9. Beachy RH
Rowsdower
July 29th, 2011
5:37 pm
Wren is going to bleed the Astros demands down and he’s gonna pull the trigger. The Astros need young talent. The Phillies aren’t willing to give it up. The Braves have it in spades. Something will get done. Pence is a good enough athlete to play CF. Constanza’s stay in the ATL will be short.
rotomeister
July 29th, 2011
5:37 pm
Fab-Five Fredi. Agreed. Pay the price for Pence. The middle of that order would look terrific especially when/if Heyward shows up.
Bravofan
July 29th, 2011
5:37 pm
Kurkjan just said that Phillies and Braves have made offer and he doesn’t see a deal happen but also added and something could happen and teams can’t give up and it will come down to the wire.
SB75
July 29th, 2011
5:37 pm
Bobby……. My comment was more so on when the Braves got healthy. I just don’t see him as a diff maker or sending any current Braves starter to the bench on the regular basis.
Juan
July 29th, 2011
5:38 pm
Did you see guys that i not so crazy….My prediction the other day is going to happen…
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
5:38 pm
@Ernest
I couldn’t agree with you more. Jordan Schafer was a mediocre minor league player… I don’t get why the Braves and their fans think he’s gonna be something special at the major league level. He’d make an alright #8 hitter… but for a lead-off guy he really sucks.
Robert
July 29th, 2011
5:38 pm
“Just like last year when it was literally a last minute trade for Ankiel/Farnsworth.”
Imagine standing in line for a week and a half thru 100 degree heat and torrential downpours to get a peek at what’s behind the curtain
And then they pull up the curtain and what do you see – a BIG donkey with the number 6 on his uniform. HEEEEEEEE- hawwwww
But Seriously
July 29th, 2011
5:39 pm
MLB Network just published their viewer poll.
Question: Which team NEEDS to make a move the most this weekend?
Guess who finished first?
FINALLY!!!!
July 29th, 2011
5:39 pm
YESS!!!
THIS DUDE IS WAYYYY MORE DESERVING OF A SHOT THAN SCHAFER!
I would never wish for a player to be injured, but Ill admit, I was kinda hoping that a scenario like this would play out where both Schafer and McLouth were on the shelf. Thats the only way the Braves would’ve ever given him a shot. It also helps Matt Young isn’t hitting right now.
A PERFECT STORM!!!!!
SB75
July 29th, 2011
5:39 pm
JB…… So glad Gant said that. I said it a month ago on another blog and was told I was crazy. BJ can flat out go get the ball and you better not try and run on him! A change of venue is what he needs.
Mid Town Joe
July 29th, 2011
5:39 pm
Good thing we let Matty Diaz go last year, huh?
tiger297
July 29th, 2011
5:39 pm
I’m excited to see ‘tony in the pen tonight…see if he can start his move towards my favorites tonight
Patrick
July 29th, 2011
5:39 pm
Bravofan: that’s the most trade news on here in the past few hours
and interesting…
Puma
July 29th, 2011
5:40 pm
Agreed noliee, just didn’t want to say anything negative about Ron, seems like such a nice guy, but not the sharpest. Although I have come to appreciate Joe more and more, now if they could just get rid of Chip, drives me nuts when he does that stupid laugh or raises his voice 5 octaves for a fly ball that he continues to mistake for a home run.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
5:40 pm
I like Constanza and have pushed for him getting a chance, but players with so little pop often do not translate well to the majors. Hope he is one who does.
Fab-Five Fredi
July 29th, 2011
5:40 pm
DOB-I think the reason Constanza was not called up earlier was to due his inability to STRIKE OUT all the time. His OBP was far too high for this team..His being on base would have clogged the sight lines for certain batters..Fredi warmed up to the idea of having him on the roster, though..more chances for Heyward and others to work on rolling over ground balls and hitting into DP’s…
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
5:41 pm
Rowsdower/rotomeister: Check Pence’s road splits. He is not worth the money the next two years. Much less the prospects he takes to acquire.
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
5:41 pm
Andrew in PA: I could live with that.
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2011
5:41 pm
Chipper still pinch-hit only, might be back in lineup this weekend
The Dude
July 29th, 2011
5:42 pm
Didn’t we let Diaz go to make room for Mather? Diaz begged to stay…made no sense.
brave
July 29th, 2011
5:42 pm
Wren is a dumb A@@!!!!!!! wouldnt add Minor in deal for Pence. What an idiot
archie
July 29th, 2011
5:42 pm
Sorry to see McLouth hurt, but I’m sorrier that he’s even still on the roster. He should have been released after his girly-girl tantrum that got him ejected from Tuesday’s marathon game…with almost no players left on the bench. The fact that Braves management allowed him to remain on the roster is embarrassing.
Jay Dubu
July 29th, 2011
5:42 pm
DOB,
The Constanza move requires a 40 man roster move. WHo’s being moved off the 40 man roster?
Someone mentioned that 97 of Constanza’s 104 hits are singles. He has good speed, and can turn those singles into doubles with a SB. Then maybe the next hitter can get a single, on which he’d be able to score from 2nd.
Slowhiteguy
July 29th, 2011
5:42 pm
Mid Town Joe: Pirates are looking for a bat as well. Just saying.
Heath
July 29th, 2011
5:43 pm
But Seriously -
It was an obvious answer based on ALL the injuries we’ve had over this whole season. Has there been a contender with more injuries than the Braves?
On another note, I think Rose and Millar are pretty funny.
abeeeewright
July 29th, 2011
5:43 pm
Is noliee trying to talk up Can’t Stand Ya’s CBI?
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
5:43 pm
Michael Bourn and Reed Johnson. That’s all we need. I’m telling you guys. It wouldn’t cost much and would help this team out significantly. Why am I not the GM?
tiger297
July 29th, 2011
5:43 pm
we declined to offer Diaz arbitration and he signed a 2 year contract somewhere else.
Big difference from letting someone go who was begging to stay
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2011
5:43 pm
Constanza is extremely fast. Saw that during spring training in a few games and workouts.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
5:43 pm
Diory got DFA’ed Jay
Snarky
July 29th, 2011
5:43 pm
Right now the Braves have an extra bullpen guy since Valvaro was called up and Wilkin Ramirez was sent down.
When and if a trade occurs this weekend, I believe a bullpen arm will be sent down – provided they don’t have to use everybody every game this weekend – and Constanza will stay up there a while.
Again that could change depending on who they trade for. If they get a CF, then maybe Constanza and a BP arm go down and another bench guy gets called up. Or perhaps an bench guys is also acquired. Still so many ways this could go. That’s why this time of year is so fun.
tiger297
July 29th, 2011
5:44 pm
jay dubu – Diory Hernandez was DFA
Jay Dubu
July 29th, 2011
5:44 pm
Constanza could be a spark for the Braves, but he’s a lefty hitter also.
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
5:44 pm
brave: Houston is asking for two of the top four pitching prospects. NO WAY!
superiorblogman
July 29th, 2011
5:44 pm
Diaz, Cabrera, Francouer would all be just as good or better than Willingham and Ludwick and I have my questions about Pence and Quinton, they have never been heavily scrutinized. Just look at what you people do to Jason on the daily. BJ Upton is used to the scrutiny and so is Matt Kemp.
Minor, Beachy, Schafer, and a 2nd tier prospect for Matt Kemp
Minor, a 2nd tier prospect and Schafer for BJ Upton and Farnsworth
The Dude
July 29th, 2011
5:45 pm
Diaz offered to by pass arbitration and resign for the same salary.
abeeeewright
July 29th, 2011
5:45 pm
David O’Brien, July 29th, 2011, 5:22 pm … “McLouth’s lower ab strain occured on his throw to the cutoff man last night, … “
Guess we now know why McLouth has been hesitant to throw.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
5:45 pm
WTF is a CBI????
wasn’t aware I was talking up anything really
tiger297
July 29th, 2011
5:45 pm
wish it wasnt so hot I would wear my diaz jersey tonight…
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2011
5:46 pm
Minor, Beachy, Schafer, and a 2nd tier prospect for Matt Kemp
Do I even have to bother?
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
5:46 pm
Of course Constantza is fast, I’d be hustling to try impress Braves management and show I belong in the majors.
Just give him a year in the Bigs, he’ll be trotting lazily to 1st base like SeaBass and Heyward before you know it.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
5:46 pm
I wonder if he has had a hernia for quite a while. He had 9 kills in 2009. something obviously happened
Rowsdower
July 29th, 2011
5:47 pm
@Bobby – You really are hung up on the wrong things. Pence is a clubhouse dream, he plays a position of need, he is a great athelte in his prime. We’re not talking about Matt Kemp, but we are talking about a player that this team needs.
BTW:
Away 189 23 54 9 0 7 27 10 .286
I see nothing wrong with those numbers. Extrapolated out over a full season is .286 21 HRs 81 RBI and 30 SBs. We can’t use that?
mike
July 29th, 2011
5:47 pm
did someone call liberty media ‘liberty mutual of omaha’? nice.
Bama Brave
July 29th, 2011
5:47 pm
Im With Brave. I would give them mike minor in a Heart beat for pence!
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2011
5:47 pm
Diory Hernandez was DFA’d to open spot on the 40-man roster. That’s designated for assignment.
TommyP
July 29th, 2011
5:47 pm
Va: The thing about Bourn is….how many 60+ steals guys are there in the majors now? That play Gold Glove CF?
He would completely change this team. I’d go for getting Bourn and then a very small deal for a RH platoon partner in the OF as a backup. (Aaron Cunningham and Jesus Guzman from SD would come VERY cheap and hit lefties very, very well)
But Seriously
July 29th, 2011
5:48 pm
Take Wren’s reluctance to part with even ONE pitching prospect. Stir in Chipper getting hurt. Watch Wren continue to balk at trading a pitcher, watch Mac get hurt. Watch Schafer go on the DL. Watch Braves get 14 hits and score two runs….watch Nate go on the DL….
Ah Hell Frank…. SELL! lol
fredo
July 29th, 2011
5:48 pm
I say stay put… unless someone decent can be had without selling the farm. There are NO elite players available and that’s all we should give prized prospects for. The reason there’s is no clear cut answer in this trade market, is because there’s no player that fits for us or gives us anything better than we already have (or will have once some players come off the DL soon).
Pence = not a good fit, plays LF and RF NOT CF, we already have Prado in LF, do we give up on J-Hey?
Ludwick/Willingham = no CF, not much upgrade at hitting anyway
Quentin = no CF, do we give up on J-Hey
Bourne = CF (right position), but is he really an “elite” player?
Bottom line – Don’t give up the farm for any of these especially a platoon player.
SB75
July 29th, 2011
5:48 pm
•The Braves offered a package that included prospects they didn’t offer to the Mets for Carlos Beltran, but the Astros turned the offer down, according to Stark. The Braves may be moving on, which would leave the Phillies as Pence’s primary suitor. The Red Sox, Reds, Pirates and Indians appear to have peeled off, according to Stark.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
5:48 pm
well it used to get called Liberty Mutual Insurance quite a bit when it first got the Braves
Bill
July 29th, 2011
5:48 pm
Constanza has not played yet in Braves game and people that claim to be Braves fans are already cutting him down. Give the guy a chance before you spit your hate..If he hits singles all day and all night I ‘ll be happy..just get on base..Don’t destroy the guy before he even get to bat one time.
Damn I thought we had better fans …
Robert
July 29th, 2011
5:48 pm
I wonder if Chipper Jones realizes that Chipper Jones at 80 percent is better than a lot of people in this league. And that there are a bunch of his teammates that are out there playing with discomfort and not healthy, and still going at it.
Nah – he’s out again today and likely to miss the whole weekend series
unbelievable
July 29th, 2011
5:48 pm
Good thing for Constanza is that he only needs to put up a 74OPS+ and play solid defense.
Suwanee Joe
July 29th, 2011
5:48 pm
The Braves seems to be a tax right off for Liberty Mutual ,they wont spend any money ,they seem to just like having a team and that is it ,they arent intrested in having a world champonship,if it means having to spend $$$$$,they also like teasing the fans,So i say to Liberty Mutual …….Go to he double hockey sticks
FINALLY!!!!
July 29th, 2011
5:48 pm
NO NEED FOR BOURN NOW!!!
FINALLY GETTING HIS DUE SHOT!!!
billmaier
July 29th, 2011
5:49 pm
someone please answer, dave anyone where in the world does mik minor fit in our starting rotatation this year, next year, the years after,, why is wren so reluctant to include him in a trade? is he ahead of medlin, teheran, delgado, viziciano where is he going to pitch except and gwinette for the next five years?
murf4hof
July 29th, 2011
5:49 pm
I’m hearing coco crisp is headed here for a couple 2nd tier players
he’s a cheap RH cfer
braves are pretenders!!
July 29th, 2011
5:50 pm
WOW!! That is one lineup Wren should be proud of. Most AAA teams have better hitting lineups than this. Braves are going nowhere, and with this G.M. who has tied up all of the limited budget Libety Media has given him on 4 players, This team will be a joke for another year. Let’s see, $15 million on Lowe, the best starter in the N.L. with an era over 4.50 that has a losing record and still gets his $15 million for another year, Hudson, the second best starter in the N.L. getting paid $13 million with an ERA approaching 4.00, Chipper, the only player in the N.L to play in 80 games a year and still get paid $15 million, K.K, the only pitcher in AAA getting paid $7 million,Nate the Great, the only C.F. in N.L. batting below .225 getting paid $7 million, and Uggla the only second baseman in the N.L. getting paid $15 million for hitting .200. Gotta give it to the genius G.M. Wren, he is the dumbest G.M in baseball, and if he had an owner that cared his ass would have been gone 2 years ago. That represents $55 million or better in salaries the braves are having to pay for these worn out clowns, and they are getting zero production from them. Yet braves fans rave about Hudson and his 4.00 era, and chipper and the fact he sells jerseys, last time i checked the team wasn’t paying him to sell jerseys or sit his ass on the bench beside Fredi, which is the worst pickup of all by Wren. The phils have a great G.M and they have spent their money wisely. Compare the money the braves have spent on K.K, Lowe, and the resigning of Hudson to the phils signing Hallady&Lee. What a fuc—- joke Wren is compared to the phils G.M. This team is a joke, and it starts at the top with Wren&Fredi. Dream on Braves fans
TommyP
July 29th, 2011
5:50 pm
Costanza eliminates our CF need, eh?
Wow….never played in the majors.
FINALLY!!!!
July 29th, 2011
5:51 pm
DOB,
How about some photos of our new leadoff man…
tiger297
July 29th, 2011
5:51 pm
have I complained about the other 1/2 getting ready for games b4? stays home takes care of the kid (who takes a nap from 3:30-5:30 everyday). I would like to leave for the game at 6 and she just went upstairs to start getting ready (be lucky to leave by 7 and now I’ll have to get the little one up and ready).
Hell with it maybe we will just be l8 today I’m staying on the blog
Kramer
July 29th, 2011
5:51 pm
My friend…Bob Sacamano…sez the word on the street is…Constanza is a baaaad man !!..And…a former member of the Van Buren Boys…Let’s get it on !!!
Chris from the Rock
July 29th, 2011
5:51 pm
The question is though, can Costanza be master of his domain?
Rowsdower
July 29th, 2011
5:52 pm
I’m hearing coco crisp is headed here for a couple 2nd tier players
he’s a cheap RH cfer
Cheap being the operative word
Bill
July 29th, 2011
5:52 pm
TommyP..we have some smart fans..right?
noliee
July 29th, 2011
5:52 pm
Pence is a real nice player whom i would really like to have even at what he will likely get in arb the next two years, but not having to pay what the “stros want in trade chips too.
Robert
July 29th, 2011
5:52 pm
“But the guys in here need to worry about the Florida Marlins [the next opponent”
Chipper doesnt have to worry about the Marlins – he’s sitting out the series
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
5:53 pm
On base> outs
I don’t care how little power this guy has. He is the definition of a leadoff man. Slap hitter with LEGIT SPEED.
Cant wait to see what this guy does. I just hope they give him a fair chance to succeed and not just throw the .220 hitting Schafer in there just because he has cool tattoos.
Constanza> McLouth+Schafer+Young
Snarky
July 29th, 2011
5:53 pm
Uhm, Suwanee Joe, hate to be the one to tell you, but Liberty Mutual has nothing to do with the Braves. Other than buying a few commercial slots on TV broadcasts and some signage around the park maybe. Could you be thinking of Liberty Media who owns the Braves?
Trey
July 29th, 2011
5:53 pm
I highly doubt we’ll get Pence. From the many articles it seems like the Braves gave up on him because they don’t want to part with Minor. I don’t see why they care it’s not like we have him on our roster. We have Beachy pitching instead.
George
July 29th, 2011
5:53 pm
The fact of the matter is that we do not stand a chance unless we go make a move for a big bat. No, a complimentary player such as Willingham or Ludwick will not suffice. We need a Quentin, Pence, or even Upton type player. Wren needs to realize that our offense was mediocre at best even for the few game we saw everyone healthy so for him to think all of our problems are going to be solved with health is irrational.
The difference between the Braves and the Phillies are that the Braves operate under a think now, win later state of mind… the Phillies operate under a win now, think later. The fact is, we have a legitimate shot at a World Series championship with the addition of one more piece in our lineup. I understand Wren not wanting to give up some of our elite pitching prospects but we have 4 of them, giving up one or two for the chance to win a World Series this year is worth it. We are not going to have a 10 man rotation down the road so Wren needs to realize at some point these pieces are going to need to be traded for value. I don’t see the point in waiting to the offseason to go after a big piece, years where you have a good shot at a World Series championship rarely come along, although we as Braves fan were spoiled by the 90’s. This is our best shot at a World Series and I believe that Wren needs to go out and get the bat that can make this happen.
Slugger
July 29th, 2011
5:53 pm
OR if DOB knew, he’ll stay completely clear of any Dodgers/Braves discussions? Why?
The whole d*mn world threw him under the bus for NO REASON other than an agent manipulating DOB (the other guys – braves- press) to spike up the offer from the Dodgers to Furcal.
There’s no doubt it forced DOB into the corner because of a GREEDY, FVCKING agent. I felt so damn bad for DOB because someone blatantly leaked misinformation to him and COMPLETELY UNDERCUT HOURS OF DEDICATION AND COMPASSION FOR HIS PROFESSION.
That’s why DOB can’t mention anything about a ‘Kemp’ deal.
Blame it on Furcal’s stupid agent.
DOB – you the man, and we read you for your style and care, man. Don’t worry about leaking anything to us
billmaier
July 29th, 2011
5:53 pm
i saw constanza play a couple of times- on mlb minor league tv- and i for one was impressed bunted successfuly for a hit , stole second. last game i saw he faked a bunt drew the third basemaen in that slap it past him into left then when pastornicky singled he and pastor did a double steal with constanza stealing third
superiorblogman
July 29th, 2011
5:53 pm
Adam Jones, Matt Kemp, BJ Upton or its just a band aid and they will be looking again this time next year.
tiger297
July 29th, 2011
5:53 pm
nolie – haven’t heard you opine on quentin
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
5:54 pm
Best case scenario:
1.) Braves drive up the price on Pence. Phillies ante up their entire farm system and acquire Pence.
2.) Phillies sign Pence long-term.
3.) Pence becomes ineffective, much like a right-handed version of Nate McLouth.
4.) Phillies are stuck with bad contracts including an aging Ryan Howard and mediocre Hunter Pence.
5.) Phillies are unable to sign Cole Hamels long-term because of bad contracts and payroll issues.
6.) Phillies become a medicore team due to lack of prospects and payroll flexibility.
7.) Braves become NL East kings once again for the next decade or so and beat up on the Phillies and the Mets like it was the late 1990s.
The Dude
July 29th, 2011
5:54 pm
Nice Chris! Let’s keep the Seinfeld references going.
dogsbrekky
July 29th, 2011
5:55 pm
Hit Seinfeld clean up I say…
We should trade for a hitting coach who can improve hitters… what in heavens has happened to JHeys swing this last 3 months…. are we the team where hitters come to die now?
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
5:55 pm
I hope so too, Nick Saban. I doubt he will be the “right handed version of McLouth” though.
poorbrave
July 29th, 2011
5:55 pm
If Pence is out ? I would go with BJ Upton and go get CQ..you could probably get both for what Houston wants for Pence. Are what we offered Houston.
billmaier
July 29th, 2011
5:56 pm
george- amen and our pitchers have more value now and will bring more than in the off season—
Rabbit Maranville
July 29th, 2011
5:56 pm
I live in Nashville and follow Vanderbilt. I wish the best for Mike Minor but he’s not David Price. He will probably be a good but never great starter someday; maybe a #3 or high 4 in a couple of years. With all the pitching talent in the Braves system and considering that the Bravos are 13th in the NL in AVG, 13th in OBP, 9th in RUNS and RBI, and 10th in OPS and with so many players on the DL or playing below expectations surely to goodness Mike Minor can’t be holding us up. Go get Pence or Quentin and let’s rock the NL!
rotomeister
July 29th, 2011
5:56 pm
Bobby. Just imagine what those home splits will be like if he hits in Philly! Many player hit better at home rather than on the road regardless of the ball park dimensions. The right field power alley at Turner Field is a killer to LHP. But the RH power alley should not impede a RH power hitter.
Bob
July 29th, 2011
5:56 pm
Folks, we got 11 hits and a walk last night and scored only two runs. I’d say we’ve got a deeper problem than just adding another bat. How many of ya’ll are happy with our game management?
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
5:57 pm
Larry Parrish: Ok, kid. Im going to need you to completely forget everything you know about working counts and hitting the ball the other way. I need you to hit home runs. Home runs are cool.
Constanza: But…..
Larry Parrish: Greeeat.
tiger297
July 29th, 2011
5:57 pm
brekky dude how are you…might need to meet up with moe berg he is heading your direction
VaBravesFan
July 29th, 2011
5:57 pm
Michael Bourn should be the top target for Wren now in my opinion.
Rowsdower
July 29th, 2011
5:57 pm
@superiorblogman – 2 of those guys are unavailable and the other is a selfish, clubhouse cancer that hits .230. Yeah, i’ll take the “band-aid.”
Chris from the Rock
July 29th, 2011
5:58 pm
Speaking of Seinfeld references, we have the “second spitter” himself as the pitching coach.
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
5:58 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHsna4Wx4k8
For those who haven’t seen it yet. Hilarious. But kinda awkward to watch. Even by yourself.
McFann O O Get Well Soon, BMac!!!
July 29th, 2011
5:58 pm
Boy oh boy…we better wrap our remaining players in bubblewrap!! Lordy…
tiger297
July 29th, 2011
5:58 pm
roto – I’m confused the right field power alley in turner field is very short so it hurts left handed pitchers or did you mean it is deep and hurts left handed batters?
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
5:58 pm
Rowsdower: “A position of need” – Are you giving up on Heyward? Regarding road numbers, what no mention of .324 OBP or .767 OPS? Why, because they are below average for MLB RF? By the way, do you know where that ranks among MLB RFs this season? OBP is 18th (just ahead of Frenchy). OPS is 17th (just behind Frenchy). What do you know, you want Wren to mortgage the future for an overpaid version of Frenchy. You must be so proud.
Also, where do you come up with 30 SBs? He has 2 on the year away from Houston! Amazing math skills.
But Seriously
July 29th, 2011
5:59 pm
“6.) Phillies become a medicore team due to lack of prospects and payroll flexibility.
7.) Braves become NL East kings once again for the next decade or so and beat up on the Phillies and the Mets like it was the late 1990s.”
Conyers Braves Fan
July 29th, 2011
5:59 pm
My first and only comment about this Braves mess:
Like some others have said, there will be some sort of deal(s) made beore the trade deadline. Will they be meaningful? Hope so but have my doubts
unbelievable
July 29th, 2011
5:59 pm
Constanza is like the backup QB, all fan bases think he’s better. There is a reason he’s making his debut at 27. Hope it works out.
poorbrave
July 29th, 2011
5:59 pm
If the Braves go to White Sox for CQ…also included there hitting coach GREG WALKER!!!!!!!!! in the deal.
Rowsdower
July 29th, 2011
6:00 pm
@Bob – It isn’t game management. This team has been horrible with runners on 3rd and less than 2 outs for YEARS. Situational hitting is a BIG part of the game. The Braves couldn’t be worse in those situations. With this pitching the Braves need every run they can get. If they scored that runner from 3rd even half the time they would be right up the Phillies asses and running away with the Wild Card.
When Constanza is standing on 3rd tonight with 1 out, let’s see if someone can put the damn ball in play…
McFann O O Get Well Soon, BMac!!!
July 29th, 2011
6:01 pm
Mark Bowman Knowing that it will be at least a few more weeks before Brian McCann returns
A COUPLE more weeks! A COUPLE!! Not a few…Think positive, Mark!!
noliee
July 29th, 2011
6:01 pm
I like him a bit less than Pence overall tiger, but I would not be averse to him being a Brave at all. Not sure why they would trade him, but their GM threw in the towel way early at least once B4.
The one guy I really do not want is Ludwig cause he does not normally hit lefties all that well, but you never know. anybody can get hot and help a team no matter how unexpected. Who would have thought that Burrell would have been such a help for SF last year?
You just never know, which is what makes all the angst about pickups pretty humorous.
Not that I’m not into the speculation too
tiger297
July 29th, 2011
6:01 pm
nah I heard an ex scout say constanza steals home then don’t need a hit
glove51
July 29th, 2011
6:02 pm
Robert Sydney “Hurricane” Hazle (December 9, 1930 – April 25, 1992) is a former professional baseball player. He was an outfielder over parts of 3 seasons (1955, 1957-1958) with the Cincinnati Redlegs, Milwaukee Braves and Detroit Tigers. Hazle was a member of the 1957 World Series champion Braves. For his career he hit .310 with 9 home runs and 37 runs batted in in 110 games played.
Hazle debuted with the Reds late in the 1955 season, but made no impression. He was traded with Corky Valentine to the Milwaukee Braves in return for George Crowe the following spring, but did not appear in the big leagues. Playing for Wichita, he was hurt and reportedly considered quitting the sport.
Hazle is best remembered for his meteoric 1957 performance. He was promoted from Wichita only after outfielder Bill Bruton suffered a season-ending knee injury, and did not play until the Braves’ 100th game.
In less than three weeks, from August 9 through August 25, Hazle batted .473 with 5 home runs and 19 RBI in 14 games, a sudden burst of unexpected offense that earned him the nickname “Hurricane.” The original Hurricane Hazel had struck the coast of Hazle’s home state, South Carolina, in 1954.
The first-place Braves swept the second-place Cardinals on August 9-11, which went a long way towards sealing the National League pennant for Milwaukee; the first two games of the series were blowouts, and Hazle had seven hits and five RBI. He batted a torrid .556 in his first dozen games. For the season, Hazle bat .403 in 41 games, with 7 home runs and 27 RBI. On the next-to-last day of the season, Hazle broke up a no-hit bid by Cincinnati’s Johnny Klippstein with a two-out, eighth inning single.
Who knows — maybe history could repeat with Constanza!
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
6:02 pm
murf4hof: Crisp makes $5.75million – cheap?
Bravofan
July 29th, 2011
6:02 pm
Anyone see the not top 10 today? Number ten was some lady in the suntrust club section and she freaks when a foul ball bounces off the screen in front of her.
Powderfinger
July 29th, 2011
6:03 pm
After reading DOB, I say go with Quentin. And I want some bullpen help also. I am not going to give up on Schafer yet. Anyone who has been watching recent games knows that he has contributed in a lot of ways. I think his trajectory is upward.
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
6:03 pm
fredo: good points about available trade market.
tiger297
July 29th, 2011
6:03 pm
been many years since I’ve gotten into it…team as constructed is quite likely to make the playoffs…if we are hot this team can win it all…if we are not likely doesn’t matter who we might get in a trade
richie
July 29th, 2011
6:04 pm
worst case to sabans best case. Pence is amazing and the phils spank our badonkadonks for the next 4 years
DS1
July 29th, 2011
6:04 pm
tiger
Yea, but can Constanza steal first??
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
6:05 pm
Nick Saban: Could be a realistic scenario given what Phillies are rumored to have offered for Pence. I like it.
Rowsdower
July 29th, 2011
6:05 pm
@Bobby – First off, Pence can play anywhere in the OF, so this move would not be giving up on Heyward. Chipper isn’t going to be around forever. Prado will eventually move back to 3B. Gonna have some openings in the OF over the next couple of years. Pence is locked up for 2 more years. Hmm…
Second, trading Minor and a few other pieces is hardly mortgaging the future. Were you planning on having a 7 man rotation in a few years? C, 1B, 2B, 3B and RF are locked up for the foreseeable future. Hmm…
And finally, stolen bases is not a road/home split metric. Stealing bases is stealing bases. It’s not like the bases are 88 ft in Houston…
billmaier
July 29th, 2011
6:05 pm
but seriously– come now we only carry y twelve pitchers all of them starters– no need for any relievers– since we will have 12 blue chip starters that we hang on to by 2013- there are only ten for next year that is not too many to have on one team– many can be used for pinchitting also since many will be better hitters than what we have
superiorblogman
July 29th, 2011
6:05 pm
As Frank Wren: Go along with your days and quit worrying about my business. The Dodgers have financial trouble its been in the works all year and I am the greatest you inferior beings will ever see.
Minor, Beachy, Schafer, and Consty (That’s why he is up people) for Matt Kemp.
We will wait to announce Sunday. Go back to eating liver cheese, crackers, and drinking Busch.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
6:05 pm
for the most part that is often true tiger. still find it an exciting time though
Jay Dubu
July 29th, 2011
6:06 pm
Noliee,
Thanks for the Diory info. Any chance he’ll clear waivers, and the Braves will be able to keep him?
tiger297
July 29th, 2011
6:06 pm
DS1 – that is as likely as the line I was looking at for him 3-4 2 triples 3 SB
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2011
6:06 pm
Wow.
Things are happening.
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
6:06 pm
DS1
Ok, Joe Simpson.
With a .300+ BA, I don’t think he has to worry about stealing 1st base. Dude is going to put the ball in play and use his legs to do the rest. Kinda like what they want Schafer to do but he cant.
Komminsk
July 29th, 2011
6:06 pm
With all these injuries the Braves should trade Lowe to Detroit for a couple prospects and don’t make a big move for Pence/Bourn.
Assuming Chipper retires we are taking off 14,000,000 off the books. Lowe would remove 15,000,000. McLouth, Gonzo and KK would be a total of 16,500,000. That’s 35,500,000 freed up to go after some free agents like Reyes, Hardy, Swisher, Sizemore, etc…
Jay Dubu
July 29th, 2011
6:07 pm
tiger297
Thanks for the info.
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
6:08 pm
rotomeister: Houston’s park is much more hitter friendly. Away stats are reasonable base line or at least use park adjusted. Either way, Pence is slighlty above average or worse.
brave
July 29th, 2011
6:08 pm
if no Pence get Quentin. he can play left field cause Chipper wont play 20 more games this year
McFann O O Get Well Soon, BMac!!!
July 29th, 2011
6:08 pm
I always hated the trade deadline part of the season ’cause I’m always “afraid” we’re gonna give away somebody I like (not meaning BMac, of course…don’t have to worry about that…).
Skeeterleg
July 29th, 2011
6:08 pm
The phils have a great G.M and they have spent their money wisely – braves are pretenders!!
yup. a maxed out payroll, a ravaged farm system (which is showing up big time in the Pence dealings), tons of free agents who will have to be lost or overpaid like Rollins and Lidge, no impact players under 30 besides Cole Hamels, a fast closing window for success, and one championship. I’m sure Ruben appreciates your support though.
Nelson
July 29th, 2011
6:08 pm
The question is: DO WE REALLY WANT ANOTHER WS TITLE OR NOT?
If the answer is yes then take that hot right handed bat at whatever price it takes!!!!!!
Is not keep on waiting for the prospect to grow-up, and loose this year AGAIN!!!!
PERIOD.
Bob
July 29th, 2011
6:08 pm
Row, I agree. With Cox, we were always swinging for that three run homer (that almost never came). Perhaps the better term is hitting management…trying to make contact, move the runner, not getting 0-2 and having to hit the pitcher’s choice. Championship teams do this without thinking. Is Fredi channeling Cox?
brave59
July 29th, 2011
6:09 pm
ask dodger if they are interested in trading KEMP? give them whatever they want except julio. fren doesn’t have the 00 to do it.
jonny
July 29th, 2011
6:09 pm
I agree with evryone. If you can hear me out there frank wren let the phillies give away their farm system for pence and go get bourn. we need a cf more than a rf anywats
Bigwheel
July 29th, 2011
6:09 pm
Thanks for the clarification DOB! DFA..sigh.. Yup
Snarky
July 29th, 2011
6:10 pm
glove51 Who knows — maybe history could repeat with Constanza!
What are you saying? That a hurricane named Jose will hit Santo Domingo this summer?
The Dude
July 29th, 2011
6:10 pm
Diory was DFA’ed to make room for Constanza.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
6:10 pm
not sure Jay. he is basically AAA fodder, with Hicks around and now ‘nicky up there they might not care much?
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
6:10 pm
richie: Not likely. Pence is not amazing!
O. J.
July 29th, 2011
6:10 pm
The longer it goes the more I feel like we aren’t making a big move
Ralph
July 29th, 2011
6:10 pm
Dennis Reynolds and myself have been screaming for Constanza for months and Pete saying he is a life minor leaguer, we’ll find out now, I beleive he hits lefties real good, also would like to see Gartrell paltooning with Heyward however I still agree 100% with Nick Saben that Bourn is the real solution, I would give up Minor for Bourn in a heartbeat.
The Dude
July 29th, 2011
6:11 pm
Heard we just signed Julio Franco.
kwajbraves
July 29th, 2011
6:11 pm
MLB: Outfielder Ludwick atop Braves’ wish list
We are so broke that we can even afford to dream big.
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
6:12 pm
Constanza is going to be the guy that starts the party every night for this team.
With Heyward coming around, Dan Uggla being Dan Uggla, and Freddie Freeman being the MAN, we have enough middle of the order hitters. We need a guy who’s going to create some runs at the top.
If Constanza just does what he’s been doing in AAA all this time, he’ll stick around because he’s GOING to score a LOT of runs.
JC from DR! (You gotta tip your cap to ____)
July 29th, 2011
6:12 pm
Carlos Quentin to the Braves! Make it Happen!
abeeeewright
July 29th, 2011
6:12 pm
nolieee … CBI = Cat Ball Index. I think scoots coined it after RHR told a story about a 4-balled tomcat as a metric to determine how much blog luv a marginal player will garner when he does something good.
Usually CBI spikes when DOB talks about a marginal player in the main blog. For a while, I think Matt Young topped 3 and Schafer’s is around 10.
So, your claims about Can’t Stand Ya’s heroics tonight led me to believe that you were trying to get some similar CBI going for the dud(e).
Juan
July 29th, 2011
6:13 pm
The Dude
July 29th, 2011
6:11 pm
Heard we just signed Julio Franco.
Yeah…as ours Hitting Coach
rotomeister
July 29th, 2011
6:13 pm
George. I agree. Well said.
George
July 29th, 2011
5:53 pm
The fact of the matter is that we do not stand a chance unless we go make a move for a big bat. No, a complimentary player such as Willingham or Ludwick will not suffice. We need a Quentin, Pence, or even Upton type player. Wren needs to realize that our offense was mediocre at best even for the few game we saw everyone healthy so for him to think all of our problems are going to be solved with health is irrational.
Brave4life-1995 all over again?
July 29th, 2011
6:13 pm
Add another high spec and get Kemp.
I would love him in the middle of the order
Lew
July 29th, 2011
6:13 pm
jbailz – Yeah, or maybe Upton’s just a attitudinal Dude who may never “get it” and who’s numbers have significantly declined over the past three seasons
MFin04
July 29th, 2011
6:13 pm
“If Constanza just does what he’s been doing in AAA all this time, he’ll stick around because he’s GOING to score a LOT of runs.”
As the new adage goes…”You can’t steal home”
Ralph
July 29th, 2011
6:14 pm
Constanza batting .300 against lefties and .318 against righties.
Columbus
July 29th, 2011
6:14 pm
Yes they will make a big splash if we dont have to give up far too much. I think we will hear about it tonight. If we cant get a fair deal then there is always FA’s after the season AND FOREMOST the next trade deadline in 30 days and at that time there may be more sellers. BUT it would be better to get it done in the next 2 days because every game matters. The SOONER the better. Staying close to the Phils and getting some homefield in the playoffs should be a priority and I am sure it is. Just like the Falcons, the Braves are in the game and I expect a significant move.
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
6:14 pm
Rowsdower: You are the one who extrapolated SBs from his road splits – incorrectly I might add. He is on pace for 11 steals and has never stolen more than 18 in a season, yet you said 30 SBs.
Do you plan to address Pence being below average RF away from Houston?
Fab-Five Fredi
July 29th, 2011
6:14 pm
For all you ShipDits that believe Pence is another McLouth:
162 GM Avg. 162 683 632 84 183 35 6 25HR 90RBI 15SB 9 46 12 290AVG
Link to Stats:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pencehu01.shtml?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker&utm_campaign=Linker
DS1
July 29th, 2011
6:14 pm
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
6:06 pm
DS1
Ok, Joe Simpson.
With a .300+ BA, I don’t think he has to worry about stealing 1st base. Dude is going to put the ball in play and use his legs to do the rest. Kinda like what they want Schafer to do but he cant.
Next, we’re going to talk about how George Lombard and Brad Komminsk never really gotta chance, huh?
I am a prospect hugger, probably one of the worst. But I am also a realist. Let’s not judge the young man pro or con until he gets a chance.
But you have to admit, a 27 year old rookie that has never made it to the bigs with anybody before is a long shot at best.
Clubs don’t miss that badly on talent evaluations……
NORRIS
July 29th, 2011
6:14 pm
LUDWICK .238 WITH A .302 OBP I DONT THINK SO. STUPID!!!!
JasonInFL
July 29th, 2011
6:14 pm
Include Minor for a big bat and call it a day. If not, I really do think Upton would benefit from a change of scenery.
But, my word, you can’t expect to get you a piece that could put you over the top for a bunch of nothings. I am ont advocating a Tex package, but Minor? Please. Include him.
kme
July 29th, 2011
6:15 pm
Last?!
Jerry Seinfeld
July 29th, 2011
6:15 pm
I just want to take a moment to congratulate Jose for finally making it to the bigs. You’ve earned it.
rotomeister
July 29th, 2011
6:15 pm
Constanza callup is making the Braves the laughingstock of Twitterland. Scraping the bottom of the deparation barrell.
tiger297
July 29th, 2011
6:16 pm
ohhh time for me to get upstairs and get dressed…go braves
Hit Nazi
July 29th, 2011
6:16 pm
NO HITS FOR YOU!
Rowsdower
July 29th, 2011
6:16 pm
It’s you can’t steal 1st. Home gets stolen quite a bit…
Chris from the Rock
July 29th, 2011
6:16 pm
Braves should acquire David DeJesus. He’d fit in perfectly: a Left-handed hitting OF hitting in the .220’s.
Heath
July 29th, 2011
6:16 pm
MFin04… Actually… you can steal home. I wou;dn’t recommend trying it all the time, but it was just done in the last week. Plus, I saw it in the moview “The Sandlot” so it must be possible.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
6:17 pm
Constanza can not only steal home, but he will be back in the dugout B4 the catcher get the ball from the pitcher..
DS1
July 29th, 2011
6:17 pm
MFin04
I think that saying is “you can’t steal first”.
Because you really can steal home………
And for you folks thinking that Constanza is the answer to our prayers; well I hope you are right, but I am not holding my breath.
Had the same misgivings about Prado, but I was wrong then. Hope I am wrong again.
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
6:17 pm
Interesting, DS1…
Ever heard of a guy named Dan Uggla?
Powderfinger
July 29th, 2011
6:17 pm
Falcon fans were raising hell earlier about the lack of moves. Then they sign Ray Edwards and everything looks sunnier. I suspect that we’re seeing the same type of scenario play out with the Braves. But I very well could be wrong. I have to stay positive, though. Otherwise the rest of you bloggers will have me jumping off the roof tonight.
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
6:18 pm
Rowsdower: By the way, Pence has not played CF since ‘07.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2011
6:18 pm
Bowman reports its either Upton or Ludwick for Braves.
Dumbfound
July 29th, 2011
6:19 pm
The eagles get Nnamdi !
NORRIS
July 29th, 2011
6:19 pm
WHY WOULD WE GIVE AWAY PROSPECTS TO GET LUDWICK WHEN HIS OBP IS WORSE THAN WHAT WE HAVE.
unbelievable
July 29th, 2011
6:19 pm
Upton please
Rowsdower
July 29th, 2011
6:19 pm
@Bobby – I pulled his Road Splits from ESPN. If the SB column incorrect, take it up with them.
No need to address his being a below average RF away from home. HE WILL NOT PLAY RF FOR THE BRAVES. And, if he did, he would be better than Heyward right now. This is about right now. He can play LF or CF depending on who emerges the next 2 years.
Now, show me where he would rank among CF where he would play for this team.
NORRIS
July 29th, 2011
6:20 pm
MLB trade rumors now says that the braves didnt consider Pence a priority. Ok then who is?
Heath
July 29th, 2011
6:21 pm
If given a choice between Upton and Ludwick… gimme Upton all week long and twice each day on the weekends.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
6:22 pm
Ludwisk is probably
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2011
6:22 pm
JasonInFL – I’m with you man. Let’s get Upton.
I wanted Quentin/Pence but a change of scenery may be the trick for him. Upton can – despite current stats – be an impact pick-up.
DS1
July 29th, 2011
6:22 pm
Dennis
Good point about Uggla. But name me 10 of those guys that played their first major league game after the age of 26 that stuck around more than a year or so.
Just doesn’t happen too often. But hey, I am pulling for the kid. I just have low expectations.
We still need to get a RH bat.
Ralph
July 29th, 2011
6:22 pm
@NORRIS
Haven’t done that but Wren is stupid enough to do it, just showing interest in him is stupid.
Fab-Five Fredi
July 29th, 2011
6:22 pm
Constanza=Otic Nixon. By the way Nixon, who first got called up at age 24, did not see any significant playing time until he was 29..Otis Nixon’s breakout year 1991 at age 32..Just sayin’..
Constanza should have been on the roster already, but did not strike out enough..
BravoMan
July 29th, 2011
6:22 pm
Lesser of two evils here…anyone but Ludwick. Why settle for absolute crap? Perhaps a change of teams will help Upton get a fresh start. Plus he’d get outta playing in the dome:/
Fab-Five Fredi
July 29th, 2011
6:23 pm
Meant to say Otis Nixon, darn typos…..
noliee
July 29th, 2011
6:23 pm
how many really really believed that the Braves would spring for a significant bat?
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
6:24 pm
Rowsdower: That is the BB column you genius. Did ESPN also extrapolated that for you? I can answer that, NO!
MFin04
July 29th, 2011
6:24 pm
I can’t remember, but didn’t we sit around dreaming about big names to help us at the trade deadline last year?
I don’t think they ever came did they?
I believe we made a last second deal for Ankiel and Farnsworth.
Seems eerily similar to this year…
old man
July 29th, 2011
6:25 pm
I’m still thinking you hang on to the Schafer idea. I see him being a Victorino type player–not with the same pop, but with more speed. The guy who does not make the all-star team, but you look at and say when you play the Braves (like I say when we play the Phillies), “this guy always kills us.” If Schafer would learn to be an expert bunter, and would work on being a slap/spray hitter, he could hit .250 and wreak havoc on other teams. I’m no expert, but I do know that I stay put and hold my bladder when I know Schafer is coming up in the next inning because I know something nutty might happen. He’s not the fix this month, with his finger injury, or this year because I think his hitting philosophy needs to be refined (right now, he looks like he really is trying to drive the ball deep into the gaps, or out of the park), but I feel like he is worth holding on to. So I don’t see a long-term center field fix as the first option.
JasonInFL
July 29th, 2011
6:25 pm
Upton over Ludwick every day of the week. He would help the Braves, fill an actual positional need, and allow J-Hey to stay in the lineup. Schafer/Ludwick or Upton/J-hey…um, I know which pair I would take.
Mountain Braves Fan
July 29th, 2011
6:26 pm
I don’t think the Braves go for Bourn because the front office thinks that Schafer IS Bourn, minus a little OBP which Schafer can improve on by hitting the ball on the ground and acting more like Brett Butler than Jeff Burroughs. For the stat lovers, Bourn’s career OBP is .338, Schafer’s is .310. Schafer has the speed, the arm, and the defensive ability to be a quality major league center fielder, and he is five years younger and ten times cheaper than Bourn. Bourn is making 4.4 million dollars this season and will get a big raise in arbitration next year. And did I mention that Scott Boras is Bourn’s agent? Bourn also wants to stay with the Astros. He is from Houston and played at the University of Houston. For a team like the Braves with a payroll under 90 million, you have to find value where you can, and they see Schafer as such a player. The Astros would also want a major prospect, like Minor, before they would even start to talk about trading Bourn.
brian
July 29th, 2011
6:26 pm
Norris – stop shouting. Anyway, Braves don’t care as much about OBP as much as the rest of the baseball playing universe
Lew
July 29th, 2011
6:26 pm
All of this talk about our rotation being ten or more deep-
Y’all do realize that even if he’s not traded right now, Minor likely will be over the winter when the asking price comes back to reality.
In addition, you saw Delgado pitch this year and he’s not ready for prime time – neither is Vizcaino who hasn’t cracked the 100 inning mark yet – of the entire “Big Four”, only Teheran is close to being MLB ready and he didn’t shine in his couple of starts and needed th extra time in Gwinnett. And not to mention, this season we needed a game or more from about eight or nine starters just to cover injuries.
So yeah, we DO have some trade pieces, but we’re nowhere near as MLB pitching ready and deep as some of you would like to believe.
Scrub21
July 29th, 2011
6:26 pm
i have gotten twitter feeds from mlbtraderumors, dob, espn and mb to the tune of over 200 today about the trade deadline.
can FW please make a decision so my life can go back to normal…..
MFin04
July 29th, 2011
6:26 pm
For those of you who want Upton…why Upton over Bourn? Is it because he is cheaper? Because that’s about the only reason…
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
6:26 pm
Yeah, I agree we need a RH bat. I think thats very obvious. But I don’t think we need a guy like Pence or Quentin. Mainly because it would mean taking Heyward’s soon-to-be hot bat out of the lineup too often.
I think at this point, we really should just go after Ludwick as long as they throw in a quality reliever in the deal. Shouldn’t cost much at all for us and would really improve our depth in both the pen and the bench.
Ive been all over the idea of getting Bourn for weeks now. I think he would do wonders for the lineup. If Constanza can do what he’s been doing in AAA, we really don’t need Bourn. Thats a wait and see right now, though. And with the deadline 2 days away, theres not much time to do that.
I still say we should just go ahead and trade for Bourn and Ludwick/Reliever.
JC from DR! (You gotta tip your cap to ____)
July 29th, 2011
6:27 pm
The Braves are sadly going to trade for some trash can player like Ludwick, bank on it.
But that’ll never stop me from dreaming!
Carlos Quentin to the Braves!!!!
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
6:28 pm
Bing!
Soldier—–
(Waving Arm!) “Get Out The WAYYYY!!!!! (Boom!) Pretty Boy Coming Through! Me And My Crew! We Swaggin In The Room!”
Whats Up All?
TGIF
N Nine
July 29th, 2011
6:28 pm
I’m on the Upton wagon vs Dudwick. We have enough .240 hitters. Add Parrish and Tuner Field and you have Agon V. 2.0
Just say no to Dudwick!
JasonInFL
July 29th, 2011
6:29 pm
Pretty quiet on the Quentin front…
We ain't doing diddly poo
July 29th, 2011
6:29 pm
Constanza is finally given a well deserved opportunity. Instead of trading the farm for another .240 hitter with a little pop to come to ATL and underachieve – let’s give Gartrell a shot. We moved Constanza to the 40 man, let’s do the same with Gartrell instead of unloading anything for the sake of doing a deal.
We don’t like Upton – he’s a party boy and will NOT fit in this clubhouse. Promoting Constanza and sending Diory packing is a pretty clear indication that Bourn/Upton and/or Crisp is likely not going to happen. Pence will not help us – he is a Francoeur type hitter – doesn’t wealk much and is hitting well in Houston because he can be pitched to contact in games that are lop-sided. If we can get Quentin for little or nothing, which is unlikely – let’s get him.
If not – there market for what we want is weak, weak, weak. Let’s hold on to what we have and roll the dice on Gartrell. He will put up just as good of numbers as Quentin and wont cost near as much.
If he struggles, so what.
We save our arms for another day. We are a .240 hitting team – that is not going to be fixed by any one player.
Still need a RHP for the bullpen. Varvaro has a live arm, but battles wildness, as we saw last night.
richie
July 29th, 2011
6:29 pm
the only way i would be seemingly ok with Ludwick in a braves uniform is if heath bell came with him. Thats not gonna happen so i guess ill just be pissed when hes the only person we trade for.
braveshoo
July 29th, 2011
6:29 pm
I think the asking price is the key. The best fit for me is Bourne. He starts in CF and leads off. If Schaffer comes back, or next year, I have no problem with Schaffer in Lf. Having 2 spped guys at the top pf the order is great, and your outfield defense is great. McClouth is gone next year, and should not even enter the equation. Chipper may retire or not, but Prado can play 3rd most of the time, and LF if Chipper plays, with Schaffer coming off the bench. I think you get Bourne for Minor or Delgado and one lower level prospect, and I do that deal. Pence will cost at least 2 high level prospects and more cash than we have, so I dont do that deal. Quentin helps a lot and can probably be had for Minor or Delgado, so if you cant get Bourne, then I think you get Quentin. I would not get Willingham or Ludwick unless you give up next to nothing for them. They really dont help you much.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
6:30 pm
so T’hawkin tiptoes in through the back door….
Tyler
July 29th, 2011
6:30 pm
MFin04
July 29th, 2011
6:26 pm
For those of you who want Upton…why Upton over Bourn? Is it because he is cheaper? Because that’s about the only reason…
Upton has some pop and if he gets on the right track will be 10x better than Michael Bourn
DS1
July 29th, 2011
6:31 pm
If the cost to get Upton is not too great, then I’d prefer him over Ludwick. Sometimes these young bucks just need a good dose of reality to kick them back into gear.
Upton we know has the talent and the tools. Maybe he could get all buddy buddy with Fredi in ATL??
Stranger things have happened.
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
6:31 pm
Rowsdower: Right now? Heyward has a higher OPS by nearly 100bps since All Star break, and we all know Heyward has been scuffling. For the year, Pence has only been 50bps better than Heyward based on road splits.
I am not convinced Pence can play CF everyday, but I will go along. He would rank 18th in OBP and 13th in OPS – sound pretty average, assuming he defense does not erode that value.
Any more questions? You ready to trade away two of baseball’s top 50 prospects?
JasonInFL
July 29th, 2011
6:31 pm
Yeah, not sure why they think Ludwick could help. Of course, they have already admitted that they don’t look at stats and don’t value the ones they should, so maybe it makes sense? (smile)
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
6:32 pm
Constanza wearing The infamous number 17: My Number form High School and College?
Constanza is gonna be a Stud! (Pointing Finger!) You Just Watch!
noliee
July 29th, 2011
6:32 pm
We don’t like Upton…
We? you and that mouse in your pocket?
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
6:33 pm
Lew: Great points. I do not want the Braves to be forced to overpay for SP again like Lowe and Kawakami.
Teejayy
July 29th, 2011
6:33 pm
Bourn > Upton > Ludwick
I have a gut feeling we’ll get Upton though. :\
Ralph
July 29th, 2011
6:33 pm
I can feel it, its gonna be Ludwick and i am going to be sooooo pis*@d off I probably will quit watching them for a couple days, I would rather stand pat than get another .230 hitter
We ain't doing diddly poo
July 29th, 2011
6:34 pm
As for Ludwick – he is a slower, less athletic version of Rick Ankiel. Let’s just pass on all these bums. Also hear that JEFF FRANCOUER is being shopped and the Braves are possible buyers??? DOB – any truth here??? Frenchy has 17 SBs — it’s amazing what can happen when you actually play baseball. Check out Melky’s numbers with KC – .297 BA/.333 OBP 12 HRs 57 RBI and 14 SBs…LET THESE GUYS PLAY!!!
Robert
July 29th, 2011
6:34 pm
This is a horrible hitting team. We could use 2 outfielders and a shortstop! So what have we done so far? Nothing! What will we do? Probably won’t know for 48 hours. Thanks Frank. Guess he figures the longer he waits the price will come down. Well with so many guys on the DL that my man is a big gameble.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
6:34 pm
Ludwick =’s Slop
Willingham =’s Slop
I’d Take Francoeur over those 2
Get Quentin and get it over with! I’m tired of the trade talk with all the Slop that is on the Market!
MFin04
July 29th, 2011
6:34 pm
“Upton has some pop and if he gets on the right track”
Nothing in any of his numbers say that he is getting anywhere close to getting on the right track….
JC from DR! (You gotta tip your cap to ____)
July 29th, 2011
6:34 pm
Bourn > Upton
WTF?
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
6:35 pm
As much as everyone in here would love to see Pence, Bourn, Quentin, Upton, or whoever your player of choice is, you might as well start finding things to like about Willingham/Ludwick. Thats more than likely who we will get. We’ve been linked to each of these guys for years now and this is the perfect opportunity to nab one of them, in the Braves’ front office’s eyes.
Rowsdower
July 29th, 2011
6:35 pm
@Bobby – Oh, no, I misread a column. Shoot me.
Now, you gonna tell me where he would rank against CF? And my other points still stand, so GFY.
You’re the genius that thinks trading ONE of FOUR pitching prospects is gutting the farm system. For a player that is controlled for 2 more years. A player that is a vast improvement on what the Braves have TODAY. A player that brings energy and ability that could put the Braves over the top. I guess that isn’t worth a pitching prospect that may or may not pan out.
Genius…
DS1
July 29th, 2011
6:36 pm
Ralph
OK, let me get this straight. The Braves trade for someone like Ludwick or Willingham. You get ticked and don’t watch the Braves for a few days?
You gonna quit blogging too?
noliee
July 29th, 2011
6:37 pm
if Upton comes here and plays like he so often does for the Rays, there are gonna be a lot more angry AJC bloggers than there are now.
richie
July 29th, 2011
6:37 pm
i think its a consensus with the majority the BJ Upton has way too many “if’s”. IF he can get his head right, IF he can start making consistent contact. MAYBE he needs a change of scenery. Carlos Quentin has hit 20 homers, 62 RBIs and has a 262 batting average while hitting 275 against lefties. I think the numbers speak for themselves that Quentin will drive in some runs in a Braves uniform. The best viable option in my humble opinion.
Lew
July 29th, 2011
6:37 pm
Bobby – Exactly. Good pitching costs more than good hitting – it will leave us more to spend on the parts we really need to fill the next couple of years as payroll comes off the books.
Jerry Blooger
July 29th, 2011
6:37 pm
I was gonna do Player> Player but neither one is worth a ….
poorbrave
July 29th, 2011
6:37 pm
Phillies will get Pence
Reds will get Bourn
Braves will get Upton and Ludwick
Thats what I just heard on Sports radio.com
Tommy Boggs
July 29th, 2011
6:38 pm
Besides outfielder pick up back up third baseman, right handed hitting Ty Wigginton who can also give Freeman a breather. Chipper needs a backup and I’m not down with the Julio Lugo scene.
Julio Franco, Yes. Julio Lugo, give me a FrankWren break.
dap01
July 29th, 2011
6:38 pm
Constanza is as good as any OF that we have now.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
6:38 pm
Ralph
“I can feel it, its gonna be Ludwick and i am going to be sooooo pis*@d off I probably will quit watching them for a couple days, I would rather stand pat than get another .230 hitter”
Agreed! But I’m not gonna stop watching even though I feel that we are gonna trade for Slop and therefore will lose in the 1st round. This team is too 1 dimensional on Offense 9If we don’t hit homers, we don’t win) and don’t have CG ACE pitchers who can dominate like a Halliday or Linecum for 2-3 starts in a 7 game playoff series. But that maybe a moot point because we should have Easy-E, Vennie-Macc and Kimmie shutting down teams if their arms don’t fall off???
Coach (2011 Fredi G. a go!)
July 29th, 2011
6:38 pm
Jose Constanza can be a catalyst at the top of the Braves order. However, he’s never seen big league pitching. Little dude has to get on base because as we already know, you can’t steal first base.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
6:38 pm
I will be surprised if the Braves pay what it will take to get Carlos.
Lew
July 29th, 2011
6:38 pm
Upton seemingly has no idea where the right track is even located.
Powderfinger
July 29th, 2011
6:39 pm
richie
i think its a consensus with the majority the BJ Upton has way too many “if’s”. IF he can get his head right, IF he can start making consistent contact. MAYBE he needs a change of scenery. Carlos Quentin has hit 20 homers, 62 RBIs and has a 262 batting average while hitting 275 against lefties. I think the numbers speak for themselves that Quentin will drive in some runs in a Braves uniform. The best viable option in my humble opinion.
I second that emotion.
DS1
July 29th, 2011
6:39 pm
T’hawkin
Actually, in a limited sort of way, I like Willingham. Actually like him better than Ludwick. He’s sort of a right handed Hinske.
Same could be said for Ty Wiggington.
Any of those type hitters will help some. Not like a Quentin or Pence, but they’d help.
I was all for Ludwick about 6 weeks ago, but he has tailed off this season considerably. Earlier this year, he was hitting real decent away from Petco.
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
6:39 pm
B.J. Upton= Escobar 2.0- the production.
He has ‘clubhouse cancer’ written all over him.
Lew
July 29th, 2011
6:39 pm
Coach – Guess you win the door prize for being the tenth person to use that cliche.
JasonInFL
July 29th, 2011
6:40 pm
I would be okay with Upton AND Ludwick…if Ludwick was going to be the RH bat off the bench and occasional RF against a tough lefty.
JasonInFL
July 29th, 2011
6:41 pm
Ski played with him in Tampa…I thought I read they got along? Maybe I am dreaming…
Bobby
July 29th, 2011
6:41 pm
Rowsdower: Already posted (see 6:31). Now what?
Show me where Houston has only asked for one of the four? Houston is asking for FOUR “sure-thing” prospects. Where do you keep coming up with one? Minor straight up for Pence will not get it done. I know you can access ESPN so why don’t you read the Pence trade rumors, then maybe you can come back here and actually make a positive contribution to the discussion.
Thanks for the genius comment – I must admit I have gotten that before and earned it.
Craig
July 29th, 2011
6:41 pm
At this point, I just wanna get a deal done. Tired of waiting!!!!!! lol
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2011
6:41 pm
Upton and Ludwick is much much more exciting.
ncscoots
July 29th, 2011
6:41 pm
Plus, they’ll have some money next year…So, they don’t neccessarily have to trade in the offseason too.
You’re missing a side of the equation. In the recent past, the Braves by necessity refrained from trades for already-pricey players; they just couldn’t fit the money, even if the trade currency was perfect.
If Wren can manage to meet his needs this year without sacrificing his trade currency AND can clear money (as you suggest) in the offseason? Why, then, my friend, many barriers to elite players fall. Frank can target just about any player for a trade, because he’ll have the prospects to entice a partner and the payroll flexibility to pay an elite acquisition.
I know that plenty here will spit on that pitch as it goes by, LOL, but the question I would be asking on any deadline deal is this: Is this a player I would have near the top of my list in December, as Dan Uggla was last year? If the answer is “yes”, make the deal and trade some of the young pitching. Otherwise, I’d hold those coins close, until I can really make them count, for players I think will impact the team for many years.
Dadgum.....
July 29th, 2011
6:42 pm
I have it on pretty good info that the Braves are out of the Pence dealings. Just sayin…..take that anyway you like.
Rock on……
Andrew in PA
July 29th, 2011
6:42 pm
Atleast my Eagles dont let me down, Nnamdi to Eagles yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Where you at lentz??
SoWeGa Fanatic
July 29th, 2011
6:42 pm
Lots of posturing going on. Don’t believe anything until papers are signed.
Heath
July 29th, 2011
6:42 pm
MFin04 -
I’m not pining for anyone right now… I merely said given a choice between Upton and Ludwick I’d choose Upton. This was because the latest “rumor” was that these were the two guys to which the Braves have narrowed down their choice.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2011
6:43 pm
Good to “see” ya T-Hawkin’
Bill
July 29th, 2011
6:43 pm
richie..CQ is just a hitter..=1star
Upton has defense, arm, speed, power and has hit high for average= 5 star..his BA is down now but in Atlanta new team fresh start. He play-off experiance WS etc..and cost less.
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
6:43 pm
Getting Upton means they are virtually giving up on Schafer probably. Ive heard thats not something they’re ready to do for some reason. I do believe that Schafer has no future here, but Upton shouldn’t be the guy to take his place. Bourn or bust for CF trade.
Hopefully Constanza will be great.
We ain't doing diddly poo
July 29th, 2011
6:43 pm
Gartrell gives you RH bat – hitting similar to Quentin – albeit AAA. He is cheap and we would simply have to create a spot on the 40 man to move him up. We save all of our arms for 2012 and try to pull what the Giants did last year.
Braves are going to have to convert (like it or not) to a small ball team. They left a small village of base runners on base vs. PIT and scored when they got aggressive on the basepaths. I know this is counter to the “Bobby Ball” that we are acustomed to seeing here. Small ball – bunting, stealing and hit and runs put pressure on the defense and open up holes for our hitters, assuming we are TEAM enough to hit the ball the other way…
Culture change needs to occur. Look how well Schafer’s mediocre performance stood out on this team. He is hitting .240 for crying out loud – but he works the count, gets on base and score the occasional run. The steriod era is over – time to play the GAME OF BASEBALL, FREDI!
JasonInFL
July 29th, 2011
6:43 pm
Who are we IN on, Dadgum?
DS1
July 29th, 2011
6:44 pm
You folks are correct on Upton. He has been one screwed up player for a few years.
My only point with him is that sometimes you never know what a trade will do to jog a player back to some level of respectability. Or push him off the abyss???
Braveone
July 29th, 2011
6:44 pm
From the previous blog which had 3,542 comments, Mixxo led the way with 80 posts. There were 485 different poster names. Here are the Top 25:
Rank Poster Frequency
1 Mixxo 80
2 richbrave 75
3 Brava 73
4 The A Bomb 64
5 Theo Williams 64
6 AlabamaBrave 62
7 noleee 60
8 JasonInFL 55
9 CraZy 52
10 Lew 52
11 Efrim 51
12 MFin04 51
13 BFChris26 47
14 Blankster 46
15 Dennis Reynolds 41
16 Eric 41
17 Stizz 41
18 Tomas 41
19 RC 40
20 Shaun 40
21 Tomahawk Mafia 38
22 Heath 37
23 noleeeee 34
24 sweet georgia peach 32
25 Chop Chop 31
Bill
July 29th, 2011
6:44 pm
Dennis I see your point but Reds will get Bourn..bet on it
Ralph
July 29th, 2011
6:44 pm
@DS1 Just depends how mad I get, probably won’t quit blogging,
I would take Frenchy back to platoon with J-Hey before I would take Ludwick or Willingham.
Phillies will sweep the Pirates, they were terriable, against us.
VaBravesFan
July 29th, 2011
6:45 pm
Not giving up on Schafer means they dont wanna improve the club.
MFin04
July 29th, 2011
6:45 pm
“I merely said given a choice between Upton and Ludwick I’d choose Upton”
Yep, and hopefully everyone else on this blog would choose Upton as well. We really need a guy that can play all 3 OF positions.
Eric
July 29th, 2011
6:46 pm
damn Philadelphia getting everybody… Hunter Pence, Nnamdi Asomugha… That’s what winning does for you… We have to face phillies 6 more times and we play eagles week 2
SoWeGa Fanatic
July 29th, 2011
6:46 pm
I can’t imagine the Braves getting Upton – he does not sound like their type of player. See Y. Escobar, K. Lofton, etc.
AlabamaBrave
July 29th, 2011
6:47 pm
Braveone
July 29th, 2011
6:44 pm
From the previous blog which had 3,542 comments, Mixxo led the way with 80 posts. There were 485 different poster names. Here are the Top 25:
62? Yikes! I really need to find more constructive things to do!
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
6:47 pm
You guys thought Esco was a cancer? Wait’ll Upton gets here.
We ain't doing diddly poo
July 29th, 2011
6:47 pm
@Dangummm….Glad to hear it…We don’t need Pence. He is Ryan Church all over again.
Rabbit Maranville
July 29th, 2011
6:47 pm
Its sooo gonna be Ludwick . . .
“Ludwick has hit just .238 with 11 homers and a .675 OPS through his first 99 games with the Padres this year. The 33-year-old outfielder will be a free agent at the end of the season, and the Braves could acquire him now without having to part ways with the kind of prospects needed to land Quentin or Hunter Pence from the Astros. . . . By Mark Bowman / MLB.com
Fols
July 29th, 2011
6:47 pm
Bourn get on, swipes 2nd, Freeman hits him home. That’s it, the one-two punch we need a few times a game and we win.
DS1
July 29th, 2011
6:47 pm
So if we deal for Upton, does that mean we are giving up already on a future HOF centerfielder…………George Constanza?
NV 049
July 29th, 2011
6:47 pm
you never have enough pitching .I do not see a big trade coming until winter.. maybe a relief pither & back up RH infielder.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
6:48 pm
…if Ludwick was going to be the RH bat off the bench and occasional RF against a tough lefty…Fason
he does not hit lefties all that well .236 .311 .435 . Shirley there have to be better options than him for that role
jonny
July 29th, 2011
6:48 pm
I wannnttt kemp
Bill
July 29th, 2011
6:48 pm
Dennis @ 6;39…man you don’t know that crap..come on ..what kind on nut would say that. Thats your opinion.
BravesFanInPA
July 29th, 2011
6:48 pm
Getting Upton makes sense. Schafer can play left field when he comes back and let Prado move around from third to second maybe a little short stop. I would go get Upton now.
Couch Tater
July 29th, 2011
6:49 pm
refrained from trades from already-pricey players
After the refrain, what’s the next Constanza and chorus?
old man
July 29th, 2011
6:49 pm
Braveshoo
Agree 100%. Bourn or Quentin are worth getting, and fit for different reasons.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2011
6:49 pm
SoWeGa Fanatic – RE: Upton
The thing about that point you made about attitude etc is valid. But, this is no longer a team run by Bobby Cox.
Heath
July 29th, 2011
6:49 pm
One thing to consider when saying Upton’s history might take him out of consideration for the Braves… Bobby Cox is not the manager anymore and Gonzalez might be a little more risk tolerant.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2011
6:50 pm
Heath
richie
July 29th, 2011
6:50 pm
makes me wish we would have upped the anty and got JUSTIN upton in the off season
@Fredo
July 29th, 2011
6:50 pm
Thanks, DOB, in advance for, well, everything.
Fab-Five Fredi
July 29th, 2011
6:53 pm
Frenchy over Ludwick Von Suckage any day of the week. Willingham, Wiggington, Quintin would be good pieces to have. Chipper is no longer an everyday player..
BFChris26
July 29th, 2011
6:53 pm
I’d be OK with BOTH Upton and Ludwick, but not Ludwick by himself.
Maybe get Upton and then Ludwick and Gregorson. With Upton added, Ludwick & Gregorson would be nice complimentary pieces, but if the pieces gotten were JUST Ludwick & Gregorson, it’d be bad.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2011
6:53 pm
Anyone who would like to check out Twitter – i’m @SteveMac03. It’s 85 to 90 percent Braves related!
Bill
July 29th, 2011
6:54 pm
Times change sowega..Ron Gant said BJ would be great…as X-player that knows BJ.I’ll take his word for it.
What I heard was Braves would get Both BJ and Ludwick..ludwick to relieve J-Hey and fill in LF.
Bobbys Booger
July 29th, 2011
6:54 pm
Upton actually might be good for the clubhouse…a little squirreliness yesssss…
Ralph
July 29th, 2011
6:54 pm
It’s amazing how many uninformed people (won’t call them idiots) that beleive Prado can play short stop, guess they have been watching his commercial on TV.
NV 049
July 29th, 2011
6:54 pm
nolie not a Ludwick fan , rather try Willingham than Ludwick ..but not much on either …
Reed Johnson be nice pick
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
6:54 pm
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2011
6:43 pm
Good to “see” ya T-Hawkin’
Yeah! I didn’t Blog much, cause I have a roommate now here in Loganville
But he will be in Ohio for 3 weeks.
So…..
“Every-Body! (Pointing Finger) Pay Attention! ”
Because This Right here is my weekend to Vent about us settling for Slop when making a Big Move would put us over the top in a weak National League This year
This year is ours to win the Pennant but we won’t when Wren trades for Slop like Ludwick or Willingham
Watch either one of those 2 turn into a worse version of Stankiel!
Rowsdower
July 29th, 2011
6:54 pm
@Bobby – Did I say straight up for Pence? No, I didn’t. I said a top pitching prospect of which there are 4, and other prospects. They like Lipka. Pastornicky is a better SS prospect and there are other middle IF prospects, so he’s expendable. I’m sure they could find another prospect from this bountiful farm system.
I haven’t seen ANYWHERE that says they want 4 top tier prospects. NO TEAM is going to do that. This isn’t Teixeira. They might as well take him off the market. They haven’t, so I have to assume you’re talking out of your ass.
If they want 2 of the elite pitching prospects they can kiss my ass. I am of the belief that if this team gets healthy they can win it all. If you’re gonna trade for a bat, get a good one. Quentin (he can’t play CF) or Pence (he can). No Ludwick, no Willingham, no any of those other assclowns. The Braves have enough bench players in their starting lineup.
Impact player or nothing.
Bill
July 29th, 2011
6:54 pm
got to go..ya’ll solve it >>.
njbraves
July 29th, 2011
6:54 pm
Braves would never have gotten Justin Upton, they are in the business of hoarding prospects and being cheap. I’m really tired of the way this team operates. Being ” pretty good” doesn’t cut it for me.
Bobbys Booger
July 29th, 2011
6:55 pm
Gimme Upton and Ludwick not just Ludwick…true that…Lugwick is a JAG No real difference than McOut. We need a spark and that would be Bourn….but Upton could do it too
paulie
July 29th, 2011
6:55 pm
I absolutely do not want Pence. I want to get Quentin for a pitcher. Better power #’s and obp. We need to definitely find us a speed guy at the top of the lineup….two major holes to fill in the next couple of years.
richie
July 29th, 2011
6:56 pm
well my friends, its looking like the deadline for the braves may be quantity not quality. two substandard bats and an arm for the pen. *sigh*
BFChris26
July 29th, 2011
6:56 pm
Nova Scotia Steve
I am following you now, I am @BravesFanChris on it.
Bobbys Booger
July 29th, 2011
6:57 pm
I really dont think ChiSox are trading Quentin
Fab-Five Fredi
July 29th, 2011
6:58 pm
So the fans wanna BJ..Upton that is, hopefully he won’t screw the Braves and be a head case like he has been for the Rays.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
6:58 pm
jonny
“I wannnttt kemp”
Me Too! But I have a better Chance of Getting Lucky with Erin Andrews than Wren going all out to getting Matt Kemp! (Wiping Tear from eye) I want Both!
noliee
July 29th, 2011
6:58 pm
maybe oughta go be a Yanks fan then njb. oh wait, even with their payroll they only won one WS in the last ten years. Man I don’t know what to suggest to you then
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2011
6:58 pm
BFChris26 – I will follow back man!
Scrub21
July 29th, 2011
6:59 pm
ok, lets play the “what if game” Constanza rakes over the next 10 days and steals 5 or 6 bags….
Then what?
Who’s out? McLouth?
richie
July 29th, 2011
6:59 pm
if i had a dollar for every time that nnamdi asomugha was spelled wrong on twitter……id be rich
DS1
July 29th, 2011
6:59 pm
I know that because we haven’t heard this guy mentioned, the O’s have an outfielder that came on the scene strong two years ago. Has a rough year last year, but has come on stronger this year; though he has missed some time due to some injury.
Nolan Reimold
Stats for 2011: 240/336/460 in 100 AB’s,
Against Lefties: 256/340/535 but only 43 AB’s.
Wonder if he is on anybody’s radar?
MFin04
July 29th, 2011
7:00 pm
I can’t even imaging the Upton jokes on the blog if he was a Brave…
Ralph
July 29th, 2011
7:00 pm
Here’s what going to happen next : Constanza hits .400 and steals 10 bases for 2 weeks, Heyward batts .115 and strikes out 25 times then Shafer comes off the DL, Constanza goes back to AAA, Don’t laugh, thats how braves management operates.
ncscoots
July 29th, 2011
7:01 pm
Hey, if I thought Upton could hit like the last “clubhouse cancer”, I’d tell the clubhouse to get ready for chemo.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
7:01 pm
don’t like me no 240 hitters DS1, which is why this damn team makes me so grumpy. It is slap fulluva them
JasonInFL
July 29th, 2011
7:01 pm
Wonder why the O’s were here the other night?
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
7:02 pm
richie, me, nolie and maybe a few others pretty much predicted a “big” trade wasn’t happening. Everybody is driving themelves to the insanity hospital the last few days for what I’m predicting is a Ludwick,Willingham(enter another mediocre players name) deal and probably a MRP that’s better than a Proctor.
Kudos to nolie and the rest of us that think reality. These are the Braves for cryin out loud!
Jerry Blooger
July 29th, 2011
7:02 pm
So Charlie Manuel says giants pitching not that good
DS1
July 29th, 2011
7:03 pm
Ralph
Haven’t you heard. Prado is a GREAT SS ……….. on my roto league!
Jerry Blooger
July 29th, 2011
7:03 pm
good not great
DAP
July 29th, 2011
7:04 pm
actually, before nate got DLed, what we really needed was a SS.
i dont think the ludwick deal would be bad. if you get a corner outfielder, maybe you want a guy who you can justify playing part time. couldnt do that with pence or quentin. i wish a corner outfielder fit better, but it doesnt.
get heath bell along with ludwick, and it could be really good for the braves.
id probably still rather have bourn.
DS1
July 29th, 2011
7:05 pm
nolie
And I thought you were just naturally grumpy??
Damn, you’re good at it though…….
Brave Fan
July 29th, 2011
7:05 pm
We wont get Pence. He isn’t nearly the player all the talk makes him anyway. Yeah, he is a good player but not worth what the Phillies tried to give. The problem with that is that the Phils are turning into Junior Yankees – They aren’t real worried about developing players, they just go buy them now. But they’re smart too – Let Werth go.
We need Bourn and Quentin! A real leadoff guy and a upgrade hitter in left.
Rowsdower
July 29th, 2011
7:05 pm
I would love to win the World Series this year, but if it doesn’t happen, this team is set for the next 10 years. Lowe will likely be dealt this offseason to free a spot for one of the 4 prospects. Hudson will be gone after next year, freeing up another spot. Chipper will retire either this year or next freeing up cash. McLouth, Kawakami and Linebrink will be gone freeing up even more money. The Braves will be in prime position to trade for a stud like Matt Kemp when he inevitably becomes available. They will have the money and the prospects to go get him.
I like Pence at the right price. He is a fine player and brings positives across the board. If the price isn’t right, don’t do it. Same goes for Bourn who I haven’t heard is actually available. Same goes for Quentin except he is very erratic.
BJ Upton is a cancer. He is a selfish player that thinks he’s better than he is. No thanks. Those other guys are just filler. If the deal isn’t straight up for cash, they’re useless. I wouldn’t give up anyone for them.
There isn’t a team in baseball that has this going forward:
C – McCann 27
1B – Freeman 21
2B – Uggla
3B – Prado 27
RF – Heyward 21
SP – Hanson – 24
SP – Jurrjens – 25
SP – Beachy – 24
SP – Teheran – 20
SP – Vizcaino – 21
SP – Minor – 24
SP/RP – Delgado – 21
RP – O’Flaherty – 26
RP – Venters – 26
RP – Kimbrel – 23
I’ll take that to battle for the next 10 years.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
7:06 pm
why do we want a RHed bat who does not hit lefties ?
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:07 pm
GameTime!
All Da Way Turn’t Up!
Will.I.Am
July 29th, 2011
7:08 pm
looks as though Frank doesnt know what to do or he is working on a monster. I mean if we are not going to trade any of our prospects then just get a bat for the bench and be done with it.
Ralph
July 29th, 2011
7:08 pm
Rowsdower., hope you get better results than the last 8 games.
No Crying
July 29th, 2011
7:09 pm
I hear that Jose Constanza is so fast, (how fast is he?) He can steal first base.
ncscoots
July 29th, 2011
7:09 pm
why do we want a RHed bat who does not hit lefties ?
Because Fredo “feels” such a guy is better against LHP than his stats show?
richie
July 29th, 2011
7:09 pm
one name that has seldom been mentioned for a need that is glaring, but over looked is Tyler Clippard from the Nats. He would be a reasonable get and would fill a desperate need. He could work middle or late innings. Hes got a live are and would fit in our pen well.
Tony Austin
July 29th, 2011
7:10 pm
The Cant-Stand-Ja ep is on right now.
N8
July 29th, 2011
7:10 pm
“I’m really tired of the way this team operates. Being ” pretty good” doesn’t cut it for me.”
Then you should checkout the following link:
newyorkyankees.com
Enjoy!
CJ
July 29th, 2011
7:10 pm
if the phillies get pence and the braves get ludwick…with the amount of pitching prospects the braves have… and the chance of being really strong for the last two months of the season…i wouldnt know what to think.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
7:11 pm
OLNEY ON PENCE?BRAVES/PHOLS ESPN INSIDER
Time to hunt down a deal
July, 29, 2011
On Thursday evening, a baseball executive noted the numbers on his clock: 8 p.m., 7/28. “You realize there’s an eternity before the trade deadline, right?” he said.
Yes. Remember, the White Sox deal for Jake Peavy took shape in the last couple of hours before the deadline a couple of years ago, and the Nomar Garciaparra and Manny Ramirez monster trades finished right before (or maybe just a little after) the 4 p.m. deadline. There will be deals structured in the last 60 hours before the deadline as the dominoes fall.
And the most significant domino standing now is named Hunter Pence. It is clear that right now, he has the greatest market value of any available player. The Astros’ initial instinct seemed to be to play conservative and hang onto him, but they probably will never again get the kind of offers they’re getting for Pence — the Phillies’ package of pitcher Jarred Cosart and first baseman Jonathan Singleton, or Atlanta’s offer, which presumably includes young pitchers they would not consider trading for Carlos Beltran.
For the Braves, the stakes are high, because they already are faced with a postseason in which they may have to face Beltran, and now their most prominent division rival appears to be the front-runner to get Pence.
It’s worth taking a big-picture look at Pence: He’s 28 years old; he’s eligible for free agency after the 2013 season; he’ll probably make something in the range of $20-25 million over the next couple of seasons. His numbers:
Batting average .309 (Ranks 18th in the majors)
On-base percentage .356 (50th in the majors)
Slugging percentage .472 (54th in the majors)
It’s possible that his production from this year has been diminished by the weak lineup around him. It’s also possible that he’s having his best season because the Astros are constantly getting blown out and opposing pitchers find no tangible risk in throwing the ball over the plate to any Houston hitter (when I covered the Padres in 1993, Phil Plantier mashed 34 homers and drove in 100 runs because of this; San Diego lost 101 games that year).
Pence, in his career, has a .298 average in games in Houston, with an .851 OPS. Away from home, he’s hit .281/.327/.456. He does not fit the profile of an elite offensive player, with his unorthodox swing and playing style. But he’s a good player greatly respected for how hard he plays, and unlike Beltran — a pure rental — the team that acquires Pence could have him for the next two years and beyond. He’s the type of player the Phillies could use now; he’s the type of player the Braves could use now.
At some point, the rest of the dominoes behind Pence will fall: Ryan Ludwick, perhaps to Cleveland or Atlanta; Coco Crisp, maybe to the Braves; Carlos Quentin, perhaps if somebody will pay to pry him away from the White Sox, although Kenny Williams wakes up today just three games out in a very, very winnable division. Somebody will go to the Pirates, who right now have the look of the team left standing in a game of musical chairs; they may wind up taking the cheapest leftovers. The onus is on the Pittsburgh front office, writes Dejan Kovacevic.
• It isn’t until Saturday that rival teams expect to know the Rockies’ true intentions with Ubaldo Jimenez. As of Thursday, the price for Jimenez hadn’t dropped a bit — Colorado was still asking for three high-end prospects. The consensus is that if the Rockies begin to back off on their asking price at all in the next 36 hours, then they are signaling a clear intention to trade Jimenez before the deadline, perhaps out of concern for some of the red flags that have come up with his performance this year. Jimenez may be like Pence: a good player whose market value will be higher right now than at any other time.
• The Rangers need a reliever, and they match up well with the Padres in a Heath Bell trade — but it’s not clear whether Texas will meet San Diego’s asking price for the All-Star closer.
There are many hours to go until the deadline — an eternity, as the executive said
BravesFanInPA
July 29th, 2011
7:11 pm
Ralph you can call me an idiot all you want. I never said play prado full time at short. I honestly do not know if he can play short. my guess in a pinch he probably could. I wouldnt with lowe on the mound but maybe with beachy pitching i would. it was just a thought there ralphie!
Mid Town Joe
July 29th, 2011
7:12 pm
My last bit about M Diaz. He was a rock solid blue collar player for the Braves, and his work ethic rubbed off on the rest of the team. That kind of chemistry is tough to come by. The only player who comes close to Diaz is Freddie Freeman, and he’s a rookie! I think we’d be in front of the Phillies had we kept him. Now we’re trying to rent a player for two months for what, “Chemistry”?
Peter
July 29th, 2011
7:12 pm
So here’s the deal. If Constanza gets a hit tonight, he shall be known as T-bone. If he does not get a hit tonight he shall be known as Koko the Monkey.
Brave Fan
July 29th, 2011
7:13 pm
Has anyone else quietly questioned whether McClouth is really hurt.
No Crying
July 29th, 2011
7:13 pm
I hear that Jose Constanza is so fast, (how fast is he?) He can flip off the light switch by the door and be in bed before the light goes off.
Rowsdower
July 29th, 2011
7:14 pm
@Ralph – Not all that worried about the last 8 games. It’s a small sample. Braves still have a nice lead in the Wild Card and are still within hailing distance of the Phillies.
Pitching is too strong to have a lengthy losing streak. If this team gets healthy and starts putting the ball in play with a runner on 3B and less than 2 outs (a BIG if) they’re gonna be fine. Lowe won’t get a start in the playoffs. Bobby Cox loves veterans, but Fredi will go with the hot hands.
Brava
July 29th, 2011
7:14 pm
Jayson Stark
Multiple sources say no more talk of 3-team deal for Pence. If #Phillies-#Astros deal happens, it will just be 2-team swap #trades
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:14 pm
Watching the Phillies game
I had no idea that C. Morton was 1st round pick???
njbraves
July 29th, 2011
7:15 pm
Nollee… I wasn’t asking for you to tell me anything. I hate the Yankees, but I’ll say this, they always do what is best for the ballclub. Of course they don’t win every year, but that’s nearly impossible in this day and age. The Braves, on the other hand, are too cheap and too obsessed with minor leaguers to do what is best for the team. Say what you want, but I’m right.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
7:15 pm
my guess in a pinch he probably could
anybody CAN play short, even Adam Dunn. but realistically not if the pinch lasted more than one game. he has no range nor enough arm for the throw from deep short to be regularly successful.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:15 pm
Lowe will be useful out of the Pen in the Playoffs
Especially with Little Big Man MED’s not coming back
Peter
July 29th, 2011
7:16 pm
I hate when we play the Marlins. My MLB.tv is blacked out and I have to listen to the Marlins announcers. I hope Uggla homers tonight so I can listen to them groan.
faninva
July 29th, 2011
7:17 pm
Peter
July 29th, 2011
7:16 pm
I hate when we play the Marlins. My MLB.tv is blacked out and I have to listen to the Marlins announcers. I hope Uggla homers tonight so I can listen to them groan.
I have the same issue when the braves play the nationals. nationals broadcast team is just the worst.
Mudge
July 29th, 2011
7:17 pm
With a good pitching staff and average hitting, you need solid defense up the middle. Bad defense loses games. That’s why, to his credit, Fredi wants to play AGon and Schafer. A better offensive player may win a game or two, but a good defensive player can avoid losing a game or two.
richie
July 29th, 2011
7:18 pm
When ever the Derek Lowe from last years stretch runs shows up then we will have a rotation good enough to not make a move. Truth is, he isnt and smoltzy and maddawg arent walking through the door anytime soon. We gotta have the pieceS to make a decent run.
Rowsdower
July 29th, 2011
7:18 pm
I fully expect to see one of the Braves elite pitching prospects in the bullpen if they make the playoffs along with Lowe. Lowe is excellent the 1st time through the lineup. He is horrid the 2nd and 3rd time. Makes sense to have him in the pen.
BravesFanInPA
July 29th, 2011
7:18 pm
If Prado cant play short then we need to trade his butt!!!!!
K with a K
July 29th, 2011
7:19 pm
Enter your comments here
The A Bomb
July 29th, 2011
7:19 pm
Frank Wren is to baseball what Jozef Stalin was to government….
Do the Braves have secret police as well?
All this silence for Ludwick? Doesn’t make sense.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
7:20 pm
Say what you want, but I’m right.
about what? that you aren’t satisfied with what they do? well of course you’re right about that.
about the rest? maybe not so much. The YanKs have won just about the same umber of games over the last 2o years with a payroll this is now always double and sometimes near triple the Braves.
If the Braves had that money it wouldn’t even be close, but they don’t. I still suggest the Yanks for you though
billmaier
July 29th, 2011
7:20 pm
mlb is reporting that pence deal with the phillies is a foregone conclusion talking about how much better the phil willbe with pence in their lineup–=-== hope it is not true- but frank wont include minor- for what reson does anyone know? when he willbe our nine starter next year
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:20 pm
Brave Fan
“We wont get Pence. He isn’t nearly the player all the talk makes him anyway. Yeah, he is a good player but not worth what the Phillies tried to give. The problem with that is that the Phils are turning into Junior Yankees – ”
Co-Sign! Hunter Pence will be another Nate McLouth! Pence pads his stats because he has played on a Garbage team and in a hitters park a majority of his career
Hell No to Pence, but I will take him over Slop like Lugnut and Willingham
AlabamaBrave
July 29th, 2011
7:21 pm
Mudge
July 29th, 2011
7:17 pm
With a good pitching staff and average hitting, you need solid defense up the middle. Bad defense loses games. That’s why, to his credit, Fredi wants to play AGon and Schafer. A better offensive player may win a game or two, but a good defensive player can avoid losing a game or two.
Too bad we don’t have average hitting
NV 049
July 29th, 2011
7:21 pm
TomHawkin Charlie Morton RHP 3rd round 2002 Braves
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/team/draft.jsp?c_id=atl&year=2002
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
7:21 pm
Phillies lead 1-0 in the 1st!!!
MFin04
July 29th, 2011
7:21 pm
Charlie Morton had allowed two Phillies baserunners and had picked them both off, only one was called out.
Now Utley drives one of them in. Bad luck again for the Pirates.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:22 pm
Futley with a RBI Triple!
I’m turning that Trash off!
Pirates are looking like the NL Central team that can only win in its division
I got gout
July 29th, 2011
7:22 pm
Reguarding the old adage: S*** or get off the pot..
Frank does not get off the pot until all the toilet paper is gone.
MFin04
July 29th, 2011
7:23 pm
Stat of the night…Phillies have scored in 95% of their first innings this year.
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
7:23 pm
Prado can barely play third…..and someone mentions SS???? lol
Phillies 2-0 bott 1st.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
7:23 pm
only NL Central team that can only win in its division
I thought they just split with us?
Peter
July 29th, 2011
7:24 pm
Apparently Jack Mckeon managed the 1964 Atlanta Crackers.
Kat
July 29th, 2011
7:24 pm
Peter … if you’re willing to use a torrent you could watch the game here:
http://www.myp2pforum.eu/threads/58624-Streaming-MLB-Today-Friday-29-July
BravesfansinNC
July 29th, 2011
7:25 pm
I think someone need to test Wren ASAP to see if he is on drugs .Seriously.Our lineup even when healthy is week.We having hard time scoring runs.We need a power hitter.Someone like pence and or Quentin.And Instead Wren is focusing on getting Ryan Ludwick.I mean look at the Phillies.They doing everything they can they to win now.The Phillies prospect are not as good as the Braves.Yet they are trying to do everything they can to win the World Series .Maybe I am wrong but is not the goal to do everything you can to reach the World Series and win it?
noliee
July 29th, 2011
7:25 pm
yup Jack is even older than I am
N8
July 29th, 2011
7:25 pm
“Say what you want, but I’m right.”
What if what I want to say is that you’re wrong? We’d find ourselves in one helluva pickle then, wouldn’t we?
K with a K
July 29th, 2011
7:26 pm
I say we get Upton and Byrd. But would love both Q and Upton. What is stoping us from getting Q and Upton…we have the talent is it the cost of both players going forward. With the chance of not seeing Chipper a ton this year maybe if that knee is still a problem we could play both on a reg basis. Plus next year our OF would be LF Q CF Upton and RF J-Hey.
njbraves
July 29th, 2011
7:26 pm
Noliee ….You really have no idea what you’re talking about. Just forget it, continue to be happy with a team that is almost good enough.
Peter
July 29th, 2011
7:27 pm
no thanks Kat, I don’t like watching it on the laptop. I normally watch mlbtv on my ps3 so it goes to my TV. Thanks for the info though. I can always mute it if it gets bad.
keylargo
July 29th, 2011
7:27 pm
Charlie Morton has finally filled out. He was almost anorexic looking in Atlanta and now he looks like he’s put on about 30 much needed pounds.
Phils score 95% of the time in the first. I call BS.
Brava
July 29th, 2011
7:28 pm
Ken Rosenthal
#Braves want “athletic corner bat” to control beyond this year. That describes Pence. Quentin less athletic. Ludwick, Willingham FAs.
Tomas
July 29th, 2011
7:28 pm
I like Willingham’s bat, he’s Oakland best hitter, consider that’s a very tough ballpark, and he was an offense Machine with the Nats, great OBP, power vs lefties and clutch. Now defense, awful, almost Adam Dunn awful, he can play LF barely, has played RF(when the Nats had the worst defense in mlb).
Ludwick as DOB pointed out, can play all 3 OF positions decently. But not really worth it, his bat won’t make a difference.
I like BJ Upton, Carlos Quentin, and as a last resort Josh Willingham. Theyve certain talents that will make a difference be that power, speed, and defense
BravesfansinNC
July 29th, 2011
7:28 pm
@Ken_Rosenthal Ken Rosenthal
#Braves want “athletic corner bat” to control beyond this year. That describes Pence. Quentin less athletic. Ludwick, Willingham FAs. #MLB
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:29 pm
noliee
July 29th, 2011
7:23 pm
[only NL Central team that can only win in its division]
“I thought they just split with us?”
We still won the season series 4-2. Now That’s the Ackerman Security “Lock of The Year!” Lock It Up!
njbraves
July 29th, 2011
7:29 pm
N8….Thank God you’re always there to be an idiot. Can’t wait to read your next novel on what you think the Braves should do.
N8
July 29th, 2011
7:29 pm
“When Ludwick-Braves rumor was mentioned on MLB network on clubhouse TV, one #Braves veteran said he’d love to have Ludwick on team.”
Yeah, it was probably A-Gone, figuring with Ludwick around he wouldn’t be the worst hitting everyday player in the lineup anymore.
chc4
July 29th, 2011
7:29 pm
As bad as Heyward has been, if we can get someone as unexciting as Ludwick to play some RF it wouldn’t be a bad move. I suspect Ludwick can be had without even giving up Minor.
Brave Fan
July 29th, 2011
7:30 pm
The Phillies have a leadoff hitter that teams have to account for. Thats why they score early!!!
We haven’t had a good one(Can take piches and work deep in the count without striking out, bunt for hits, spray the ball around the field and make contact, make pitchers have to throw over and slide step to make pitchers work and concentrate less on getting hitters out, make the defense account for speed, steal bases……..)! and then play a solid OF.
We haven’t had one since Otis.
Get Bourn if the Astros are stupid enough to deal him!!
The A Bomb
July 29th, 2011
7:30 pm
Not only is Morton throwing like Lowe, he’s perspiring just like Lowe.
Quite a tribute.
Tony Austin
July 29th, 2011
7:30 pm
We really can’t worry about the Phillies, I really don’t think they are going to be caught anyway. Just get the piece(s) needed and play like they did before the break and the WC should be easy for the Braves to obtain.
I’d rather win the division of course, but the WC is better than nothing.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
7:30 pm
….You really have no idea what you’re talking about. njc
that the Braves have won as many games over the last twenty years as the Yanks with half the payroll? Yeah actually I do know what I’m talking about.
You are welcome to you “must win”opinion but it isn’t a right/wrong kinda thing except in your mind. and the fact that someone else disagrees with you doesn’t make them “wrong”
N8
July 29th, 2011
7:31 pm
njbraves calling me an idiot. Must have the similar feeling to being called short by an oompa loompa.
Thanks for your input. Go root for the Yankees or another big market team jackass.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
7:31 pm
I bet they think Ludwick is athletic. Is he controlled past this year?
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:32 pm
Wow The Marlins are near .500???
They will Play Us like The Phillies from Here on out, Bank On It!
I got gout
July 29th, 2011
7:32 pm
Ole trader Jack knows how to get the Fish goin
Teejayy
July 29th, 2011
7:32 pm
If we get Willingham or Ludwick I’m going to rage. BJ Upton or Michael Bourn PLEASE.
Heath
July 29th, 2011
7:33 pm
The only reason I think the Braves could go for Pence is if they already have a good idea that Chipper is going to retire after this year and Prado will start at 3B. Then Pence could play LF, Heyward in Right… It would make sense to get him if that was the plan.
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
7:33 pm
the marlins WANT this!
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:33 pm
Ice Cube RULES!!!
Brave Fan
July 29th, 2011
7:34 pm
Stay away from Upton, please!
Tomas
July 29th, 2011
7:34 pm
Wang back on the big league’s. Mets leading 4-0 through 2
noliee
July 29th, 2011
7:34 pm
yes they do, but I have it on good source that the Braves don’t really care one way or another
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:34 pm
I’m Just Tired of Rasmus, Lugnut, and Willingham mentioned on here year after year as if they are the next coming of trading for Fred McGriff???
No Crying
July 29th, 2011
7:35 pm
Okay, I am ripping off Dave Bromberg’s Traveling man but you get the point.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4txludUeYCw
Rowsdower
July 29th, 2011
7:35 pm
16 games in a row against garbage teams. Gotta win at least 12 of them. Can’t be a playoff team if you can’t beat sub .500 teams…
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:36 pm
Heath
“The only reason I think the Braves could go for Pence is if they already have a good idea that Chipper is going to retire after this year and Prado will start at 3B. Then Pence could play LF, Heyward in Right… It would make sense to get him if that was the plan.”
Thats A Damn Good Point! I have not here that mentioned anywhere Here in The “A”!
Heath do you live out here?
Come On B.B.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
7:36 pm
near 500 is not garbage in baseball, can beat any team in a short series
Choppinmama
July 29th, 2011
7:37 pm
OK, the new guy needs to hit a homer in his first ML at-bat to keep the tradition alive.
Welcome to the show, Mr Constanza.
later gator
July 29th, 2011
7:37 pm
Another day with nothing new. At least Nate is out so we don;t have to look at him crying all the time.
Tomas
July 29th, 2011
7:38 pm
I wasn’t on board with Upton, but the change of scenary theory makes a lot of sense with him. On pace for 30 homers, 40 steals, and great defense(has a CANON)
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
7:38 pm
16 games in a row against garbage teams….
That doesn’t bode well for us.
Venice Jim
July 29th, 2011
7:38 pm
Nice start, Brandon…
I got gout
July 29th, 2011
7:39 pm
Nate is out? Is he DLl’d? until 2053?
njbraves
July 29th, 2011
7:39 pm
N8…. Go eff yourself. I’m so sick of a- holes like you on here, who think they’re so damn smart. You post these 10 paragraph rants about nothing every day. My favorite was the one where you suggested trading McCann… Great call on that one genius.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
7:39 pm
yes has a cannon. great defense? not so much lately. He has been crap going deep for about three years now. must to too much trouble for him to do any more
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:40 pm
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:36 pm
Heath
“The only reason I think the Braves could go for Pence is if they already have a good idea that Chipper is going to retire after this year and Prado will start at 3B. Then Pence could play LF, Heyward in Right… It would make sense to get him if that was the plan.”
“Thats A Damn Good Point! I have not here that mentioned anywhere Here in The “A”!
I meant to say that I have not heard that mentioned anywhere here in the “A”! ”
I’m already Slippin and I’m just on Samuel Jackson #2
later gator
July 29th, 2011
7:40 pm
Wren must still be napping. Ludwig is just like what they have already another 240 hitter.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
7:41 pm
lotsa anger up there in Jersey . kinduva the state hobby I guess
George
July 29th, 2011
7:41 pm
WOW No NATE The BRAVES are dropping like flys after being sprayed. Gametine, outta here. Have a good one y’ll. LETS WIN IT BRAVES
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:41 pm
njbraves
“N8…. Go eff yourself. I’m so sick of a- holes like you on here, who think they’re so damn smart. You post these 10 paragraph rants about nothing every day. My favorite was the one where you suggested trading McCann… Great call on that one genius.”
OUCH!!!
That was Brutal!
noliee
July 29th, 2011
7:41 pm
see ya george
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
7:42 pm
Phillies up 3-0 top 2nd.
Brave Fan
July 29th, 2011
7:42 pm
Chipper is done. I said that with a few others back when he was as healthy as he has been this year. He has always been a great player and competitor. He doesn’t seem to me to be the kind of guy thats going to hang around and play average ball.
He said all last year that if it didn’t get better he was retiring last year. Then he got hurt and didn’t want to go out that way. He is done!!!
So get Bourne and another OF. It wont be Pence though.
later gator
July 29th, 2011
7:43 pm
Good inning
Kat
July 29th, 2011
7:43 pm
Peter.. I know what you mean. I use my laptop and hook it up to the TV…problem is then can’t use that computer. Looking into one of the Samsung Blu Ray players that have the mlb.tv app.
Venice Jim
July 29th, 2011
7:43 pm
Beachy trade value way up after that inning – quick, Frank!!!
SoWeGa Fanatic
July 29th, 2011
7:43 pm
Pence is very likely to be moved now, tweets SI’s Jon Heyman. He believes the Phillies are the favorite, with the Indians, Red Sox, and Reds also in.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
7:43 pm
and he has said all this year that he plans to finish out the contract if he can
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:43 pm
Phew!
That one was finally :”Too High!”
It sounded good off the bat though
Kat
July 29th, 2011
7:43 pm
“Buster_ESPN Buster Olney
From an evaluator: Braves looking to be creative and do a Hunter Pence deal. Still talking. #trades”
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
7:44 pm
Mets up 4-0 on the Nats….here THEY come too.
Peter
July 29th, 2011
7:44 pm
Buster Olney just tweeted that the Braves are trying to be creative to do a Pence deal.
Tomas
July 29th, 2011
7:44 pm
nolie he is not consistent, no doubt, that’s the knock on him, but if the price is right(meaning no top prospects) then he is worth a shot. At least we know he won’t struggle on defense, and steal bases, while providing balance to a lefty heavy lineup
Venice Jim
July 29th, 2011
7:44 pm
Buster just tweeted “Braves trying to get creative on Pence deal – still talking,” according to one of his evaluators…
Rowsdower
July 29th, 2011
7:45 pm
No need for Can’t Stand Ya to hit a HR first AB. Schafer did that and suddenly thought he was a HR hitter.
I would rather see a bunt single/SB.
TaylorVol
July 29th, 2011
7:45 pm
If you have to cuss and use vulgarity, you should be permanently banned from this blog. Show some class, or leave the blog.
Sophee
July 29th, 2011
7:45 pm
Breathe, Mixxo.
later gator
July 29th, 2011
7:45 pm
They need to some speed. If you can’t run and most of the hitters are 240 or below that takes alot of hits in a row to score runs.
Sophee
July 29th, 2011
7:45 pm
Welcome, new new new guy!
Peter
July 29th, 2011
7:45 pm
CONSTANZA!!!
noliee
July 29th, 2011
7:46 pm
but he will struggle on defense too other than the arm. he is not who he was 4 years ago in the field.
Peter
July 29th, 2011
7:46 pm
I’m busting Jerry, I’m busting!!!
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
7:46 pm
I like how Ross will go out there and give a young pitcher a pep talk.
njbraves
July 29th, 2011
7:46 pm
Noliee… Didn’t mean to be a jerk to you, just getting frustrated with the Braves. My bad. As far as n8 goes, the guy is a know it all who picks apart everyone else, but doesn’t like anyone to say anything to him.
VaBravesFan
July 29th, 2011
7:46 pm
Well this trade talk is driving me nuts… now were back in on Hunter Pence.
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
7:46 pm
Slap hitter eh?
bravephan
July 29th, 2011
7:46 pm
one thing is for sure… after the onley and rosenthal tweets, no one knows sh&t.
ncbravesfan90
July 29th, 2011
7:46 pm
Olney:
From an evaluator: Braves looking to be creative and do a Hunter Pence deal. Still talking. #trades”
And then Rosenthal tweets this:
The Phillies and Astros are progressing toward a deal for right fielder Hunter Pence, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
Im not sure anyone knows whats going on right now
Peter
July 29th, 2011
7:47 pm
Damn, kid can move.
YellowJacket
July 29th, 2011
7:47 pm
Lowe’s attitude sux, trade him for a pallet of fertilizer.
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
7:47 pm
Impressive wheels. Can’t hit a lick tho.
Sophee
July 29th, 2011
7:48 pm
Good job, Marteeeen!
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:48 pm
Martini!
Nice
Come On Fab-5-Freddie!!!
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
7:48 pm
I disagreed with uga-brave last night about Prado. I think, no, I KNOW that Martin will be just fine.
Peter
July 29th, 2011
7:49 pm
Turner Field promotion idea in honor of Constanza: Opposite Day.
Choppinmama
July 29th, 2011
7:49 pm
I’m stuck with the Marlins telecast. Please let me know if our guys pass along any good tidbits.
Venice Jim
July 29th, 2011
7:49 pm
Well done, FF!!!
N8
July 29th, 2011
7:49 pm
njbraves, I was smart enough to know that all you needed was a little ribbing to go off and show how much of a jackass you are.
I’ll remind you that you called me an idiot before I called you a jackass. I simply said in a roundabout way that if you don’t like how the Braves are run (building the system and bring those players along), that you should become a Yankees or another big market team’s fan.
Nothing more. Lighten up Francis.
Tomas
July 29th, 2011
7:49 pm
noliee, his defense is legit. I’d rank him on my top 5 defensive CF
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:49 pm
Fab 5 Freddie!
Nice
Nice Agressiveness Martini
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
7:49 pm
Stay hot Freddieee!
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
7:49 pm
Freddie is pretty damn good
BravesQueen
July 29th, 2011
7:49 pm
Nice job FF!! And Marteen running hard to 3rd.
later gator
July 29th, 2011
7:50 pm
Fans are hungry for good news for morale purposes.
BravesQueen
July 29th, 2011
7:50 pm
Come on, Danny….bring that run home!!
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
7:50 pm
Make it 20 Dan.
Brave Fan
July 29th, 2011
7:50 pm
Pence is not worth what all the talk is suggesting. He is good but you would think that he is Chipper of 6 or 7 years ago. He is a solid player that the Astros are about to use to get a lot better by sending him packing.
I want a move as bad as anyone but its gotta be a good one. Pence isn’t that much better than others out there.
Bourn is the Astro I would rather have!
Roja
July 29th, 2011
7:51 pm
I was hoping that Constanza was called up because we found some sucker to take McClouth
Kat
July 29th, 2011
7:51 pm
For anyone not familiar with Uggla’s walkup up song and the artist LMFAO here’s the video, creative outfits…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ6zr6kCPj8
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:51 pm
S/O
To Soph!
Are You Pretty Boy Flexing after the Ray Edwards Deal?
later gator
July 29th, 2011
7:52 pm
Please hit a fly ball
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
7:52 pm
Uggla’s butt cheeks tense up with RISP. Hoping he delivers here
Sophee
July 29th, 2011
7:52 pm
Fudgesicles
BravesQueen
July 29th, 2011
7:52 pm
Those freakin’ DP’s are killin’ us!!!!!
Tomas
July 29th, 2011
7:52 pm
they just find ways not to score
N8
July 29th, 2011
7:52 pm
BTW, njbraves, If you’re to flippin studpid to grasp the differnce between what my initial post about WHAT WE COULD GET IN RETURN for B-Mac, along with playing the better defensive catcher in Ross, and thinking I actually SUGGESTED trading Mac?
Then your #1 gift on your Christmas list should be Hooked on Phonics…. because you sir…. cannot read (or comprehend what you read).
But thanks for playing. If they’re weren’t dumb people around, us smart ones wouldn’t have anything to compare ourselves to. Well done.
Jay Dubu
July 29th, 2011
7:52 pm
Braves have to make these hits count. Too late. Couldn’t even get it typed.
Peter
July 29th, 2011
7:53 pm
TnBrian: Everybody’s butt cheeks tense up with RISP lately. It’s getting annoying.
later gator
July 29th, 2011
7:53 pm
That is why he needed a fly. He stinks with runners on.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:53 pm
U got to be effing Kidding Me
Thats Why I could care less about Struggla’s hitting streak when he doesn’t get hits in tose kinds of situations!
Kat
July 29th, 2011
7:53 pm
“Buster_ESPN Buster Olney
The question for the Braves/pence is whether they can get creative enough, fast enough, to beat out the Phillies. #trades”
Rowsdower
July 29th, 2011
7:53 pm
Another example of this damn team not being able to get a run in with less than 2. DAMNIT…
Roja
July 29th, 2011
7:53 pm
Uggla can hit solo homers but seems to GIFDP when someone is on base. Oh well!!
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2011
7:53 pm
Got the laptop back. Y’all are stuck with me for the game now.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
7:53 pm
noliee, his defense is legit. I’d rank him on my top 5 defensive CF
he has been doing some better this year than the last few I’ll agree that much Tomas. but many nights he is living on his rep
Jay Dubu
July 29th, 2011
7:53 pm
DPs cancelled scoring opportunities on yesterday twice at least, and now they’re starting the process afresh.
N8
July 29th, 2011
7:54 pm
And of course, while calling a fellow blogger stupid…. I spell the word stupid. Priceless.
Peter
July 29th, 2011
7:54 pm
Buster Olney
@Buster_ESPN Buster Olney
The question for the Braves/pence is whether they can get creative enough, fast enough, to beat out the Phillies. #trades
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
7:54 pm
Marlins pitcher looks just like a skinny Russ Ortiz
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:54 pm
Peter
“TnBrian: Everybody’s butt cheeks tense up with RISP lately. It’s getting annoying.”
Damn That! They hit as if they got Royally Violated like that dude on “American History X”
Sophee
July 29th, 2011
7:54 pm
Hi T’hawkin. I like the Edwards signing, definitely need some more sacks.
later gator
July 29th, 2011
7:54 pm
He sucks with runners on.
njbraves
July 29th, 2011
7:54 pm
N8…you were being a smart azz like you always are. I have no problem building the farm system, I actually prefer to build a team that way. However, at some point you have to use that system to your advantage and improve the big club.
AlabamaBrave
July 29th, 2011
7:54 pm
dadgumit……………..another DP
Choppinmama
July 29th, 2011
7:54 pm
DOB: can you see Wren up in his box? How many innings will he have his phone up to his ear? Better yet, observe when he hangs up and if he hi-fives anyone, or anyone slaps him on his back in a congratulatory manner, ok?
Then it will be “Breaking news……..bombshell tonight………….”
VaBravesFan
July 29th, 2011
7:55 pm
Well another missed opportunity to just have a productive out. If this play continues the wild card lead will be gone and september will be alot more interesting.
keylargo
July 29th, 2011
7:55 pm
Kat – I just purchased a LG BluRay player. It has the MLB app and the Netflix one too and I must say the streaming movies and television series that Netflix has are almost unlimited. The model # is BD690 and I am very happy with it.
Chop Chop
July 29th, 2011
7:55 pm
Charlie Morton tonight:
Six of the Phils’ hitters have hits.
It’s the bottom of the second.
Brandon from Warner Robins
July 29th, 2011
7:55 pm
greetings.
Peter
July 29th, 2011
7:55 pm
Tomahawkin-
lmao
later gator
July 29th, 2011
7:56 pm
Derrick Lowe for free just pick up the very large contract.
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
7:56 pm
Phillies up 7-0.
Peter
July 29th, 2011
7:56 pm
Holy **** is Jerry Meals calling this game?
noliee
July 29th, 2011
7:56 pm
which is worse. When they cant get anybody on at all or when they can get them on but not get them in?
Peter
July 29th, 2011
7:57 pm
Lmao, the Marlins announcers said that ball would have gotten over McLouth’s head easily. I tend to agree.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
7:57 pm
Rowsdower
“Another example of this damn team not being able to get a run in with less than 2. DAMNIT…”"
As Many ‘Streak Hitters” we have on this team and no speed its bound to happen. Problem is this will happen in Choptober, Bank On It!
curtis jones
July 29th, 2011
7:57 pm
Strange moment before the game. Reporter asked Constanza if he was intimidated about joining big league hitters. He said, “What? I thought I was going to join the Atlanta Braves!”
Brave Fan
July 29th, 2011
7:58 pm
Bourn gives us a real leadoff guy.
Then we have one of the best 2 hitters in the league with Prado. Bat control, sprays the ball around, strikes out very little.
Freddi, Mac/Ross, Uggla, A hitter in LF coming from somewhere???, Heyward
Finishing up with a solid defender at SS.
We’d be alright then!
Kat
July 29th, 2011
7:58 pm
keylargo ..can I ask where you got it and how much it was… I don’t need a new dvd player …I’d only be getting it so I don’t have to hook my laptop to the tv for baseball games..so I don’t want to spend too much since I’ll only be really using it for half of the year.
njbraves
July 29th, 2011
7:58 pm
N8… You can’t spell and don’t know when to use to or too. Yup, I’m the dumb one.
Trader Jack
July 29th, 2011
7:58 pm
Charlie Morton throwing BP
Sophee
July 29th, 2011
7:58 pm
Morrison is a funny guy. I don’t really keep up with tweets/twittering(?) but his are amusing.
N8
July 29th, 2011
7:59 pm
“N8…you were being a smart azz like you always are.”
Oh… so you acknowledge the smartass and sarcasm. Here I thought I was just a no it all, idiot who has your permission to go EF myself.
What did you want us to say to you?
You post on a blog about the Atlanta Braves that you are sick and tired of the way the Braves are operating. Do you want a lollipop or a back rub to make you feel better?
If you don’t like how the team is being run….. find a new team. Or wait it out until Wren gets fired.
You tell me how somebody who doesn’t mind the way the organization is being run should have responded to that initial post. When you give me a good answer, I’ll apologize for being a smartass.
But if you post off the cuff “angry” posts like that, you should expect some sarcasm over it.
Chop Chop
July 29th, 2011
7:59 pm
Charlie’s off the wagon again.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:00 pm
I thought Hurtward would be have a “Mike Stanton” Year at the start of the season…
I have seriously gotten my feelings hurt this year with Hurtward!
And I blame it on BSPN, I hate those Turds!
Peter
July 29th, 2011
8:00 pm
WEB GEM!!
TBFKB (Billy)
July 29th, 2011
8:00 pm
Thats why he playing SS
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
8:00 pm
That was sexy!!
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
8:00 pm
Nice turn boys.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
8:00 pm
once you get used to it Kat I bet you use it more. I like Samsung a bit better than LG but both are great and habit forming. check around on the web for a good price
njbraves
July 29th, 2011
8:00 pm
N8…the issue with trading a guy like Mac is twofold. You lose your best player and you further delay the time frame for being a very good team. Dumb idea.
Sophee
July 29th, 2011
8:00 pm
Gorgeous.
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:01 pm
How about Nate, Lowe, lugo and Proctor in a package
VaBravesFan
July 29th, 2011
8:01 pm
What does the Braves being creative mean? How complex can this be? The best offer wins… Are we trying to get Pence and another Astro?
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2011
8:01 pm
Nice DP!
(Sopheee, do you have twitter? can I follow you?)
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:02 pm
Nice Barehand Flip and throw there Struggla. Fab 5 Freddie Saved your ass. Please don’t do that Flashy Crap in October. Even Though BSPN feeds off of it Fab 5 Freddie isn’t gonna save all of them in every game.
boondawg
July 29th, 2011
8:02 pm
It amazes me how us guys that are for the most part inactive outside of mowing the yard, play church league softball three times a week with all the passion of a playoff race and seem to avoid injury. Yet the fine tuned athletes that are our Atlanta Braves can’t stay healthy.
Tomas
July 29th, 2011
8:03 pm
Braves have actually improved batting average since the break, but RISP has dropped a lot and so has the power
boondawg
July 29th, 2011
8:03 pm
Enter your comments here
Sophee
July 29th, 2011
8:03 pm
cab, of course you can follow me but I don’t actually have a Twitter account.
If someone grabs my attention I go straight to their account online to read up.
Peter
July 29th, 2011
8:03 pm
Va Braves fan-
Perhaps adding a third team? I dunno, I guess I’m more left-brained.
George
July 29th, 2011
8:04 pm
Phillies progressing towards acquiring Pence, all signs pointing to us acquiring Ludwick. The gap between the Braves and Phillies talent level increases.
Wren needs to realize that if the Phillies get Pence and we go with a guy like Ludwick, we don’t stand a chance against them.
Kat
July 29th, 2011
8:04 pm
Nolie.. thx.
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
8:04 pm
I know Chip can really get on your nerves, but would you rather have that or a guy who acts likes he’s reading off a manual’s guide to dull broadcasting like Gant? Man that guy’s BOOOOOOORING!
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2011
8:04 pm
Sopheee-
I think it would be a little hard to follow you then…
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:05 pm
Tomahawkin i agree Heyward reminds me of Bob Horner or Claudell Washington.
keylargo
July 29th, 2011
8:05 pm
Kat – the one I have has a 250GB hard drive in it to store movies etc in it. They make them cheaper without the hard drives in them. I’m down in the Fl Keys and there are very few places to shop and I buy most things like that over the internet. I think Walmart carries the LG brand and they have rated very good.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
8:05 pm
you can follow me cab
njbraves
July 29th, 2011
8:05 pm
N8… It’s know it all, not no it all. If you’re going to claim to be smarter to me, please learn how to spell. As far as how to run the team, I’m not saying they need to trade every young player they have. However, you can’t tell me this team would be severely set back by moving a pitcher or two in the right deal.
George
July 29th, 2011
8:06 pm
Update from ESPN.com Rumors
UPDATE: The Braves are looking to add an athletic corner outfielder they can control beyond 2011, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, which eliminates Josh Willingham and Ryan Ludwick and highlights Pence.
It seems odd, however, that the Braves aren’t more heavily linked to the centerfielders on the market — Michael Bourn, Denard Span, B.J. Upton — since Jordan Schafer and Nate McLouth are both injured and McLouth is on the disabled list.
UPDATE: Just seconds after FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal tweets that the Phillies and Astros are progressing toward a deal for Pence, ESPN The Magazine’s Buster Olney tweets (literally, 22 seconds later) that the Braves are looking to get creative to make a big push for the all-star right fielder.
The second one was the most recent.
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:07 pm
My crystal ball predicts that runs once again are going to be scarce.
Heath
July 29th, 2011
8:07 pm
Tomahawkin -
I’m guessing that was sarcasm…
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2011
8:07 pm
noliee-
(What’s with the “i” in your name?) Do you actually have a twitter account, or are you being…well, you?
Peter
July 29th, 2011
8:08 pm
Do you guys realize we are facing a RELIEF pitcher tonight?
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:08 pm
Hurtward is staring to P’s me off like Francoeur did!
kwajbraves
July 29th, 2011
8:08 pm
No score, that our line alright.
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
8:08 pm
Jason and his weak grounders to 2nd.
Tony Austin
July 29th, 2011
8:08 pm
I can hardly believe Heyward grounded out to second.
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
8:08 pm
Ground ball to 2nd!
got anything “new” JH?
VaBravesFan
July 29th, 2011
8:08 pm
I’m a bit afraid Frank Wren is gonna give up way to much to get the deal done. But if he does hopefully the Braves have a contract offer in place to keep him longer than 2 years with a lower yearly salary. If the trade goes down..
Trey
July 29th, 2011
8:08 pm
Are we sure that Pence will really perform as well in Philadelphia or Atlanta? Sure, he is a good player, but isn’t Houston notorious for being a hitter’s paradise?
TNScott
July 29th, 2011
8:08 pm
PAGING HAWKEYE, TRAPPER JOHN, B.J. AND HOT LIPS REPORT TO THE BRAVES TRAINING ROOM. INCOMING WOUNDED!!!!!!
N8
July 29th, 2011
8:09 pm
“N8…the issue with trading a guy like Mac is twofold. You lose your best player and you further delay the time frame for being a very good team.”
Dude for what seems like a thousand times I’ve said this…..
1) I never “suggested” trading Mac.
3) I did however state that it could be up for debate with how much better Ross is defensively, that in the short term if Wren were to get a boat load of talent in return for Mac (say like a CF and SS), that since Ross can hit a little bit…. we MIGHT…. MIGHT!!!!! be a better team.
As in better OVERALL.
Clearly our offense would struggle. But defensively, it would be an upgrade. And based on the multiple posts I posted showing how the starters ALL have better ERA’s with Ross catching, the pitching might be better for various reasons. One being that they probably feel more comfortable throwing breaking balls to Ross in the dirt than with Mac.
Somebody posted the other night that we’ll soon find out if N8 was right about Mac/Ross debate.
No we won’t. Because the premise of my HYPOTHETICAL discussion included getting multiple players in return for Mac.
Not putting Mac on the DL and simply replacing him with Ross.
That being said, the pitching (which had been shaky since the break) has been stellar with Ross behind the plate since the injury.
NOTHING MORE NOTHING LESS.
Never once said that Wren SHOULD trade Mac. It was a frickin thought. Clearly not one that the blog (and McFann) approved of.
Then again, this blog thinks we should trade 2 of our 4 prime pitching prospects for Hunter FRICKIN Pence. So…..
SoWeGa Fanatic
July 29th, 2011
8:09 pm
Heyward hit opposite field rockets when he came, but now tries to pull everything it seems.
TBFKB (Billy)
July 29th, 2011
8:09 pm
Tomadorkin is annoying me with he stupid monikers
BravesfansinNC
July 29th, 2011
8:09 pm
Here is the big question is this changing from second to second as far Pence go ?Or did Bowman made it up that we don’t Pence
semiballcoach
July 29th, 2011
8:09 pm
braves oughta gey bill murray for the broadcast team—this shyt sure feels like groundhog day
K with a K
July 29th, 2011
8:10 pm
Again why is it we are not talking about 2 guys Upton and Byrd or Bourn and Q? We can not go down the stretch with what we have in CF. Funny that Joe and Chip said something Constanza not being as big as his mesurments might suggest…maybe he has been in the pool! Upton for Vizqueno and Q for Minor and other prospect!
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:10 pm
Since the brave announcers have Heyward already in the hall of fame perhaps they could move him.
Brave Fan
July 29th, 2011
8:10 pm
I wanted Pence three/four weeks ago. Now he is way over priced!
If we get him,which I don’t think we will, the Phillies played us like a hand of poker!
noliee
July 29th, 2011
8:10 pm
those hard drives are great aint they KL?
I’ve got several that can burn to DVD too but they aren’t BlueRay
I also use a WD media streamer to stream everything on my ‘puter to my widescreen. the are about $90
and have NetFlex but no baseball app yet
BFChris26
July 29th, 2011
8:10 pm
Come on Wren make a move to solidify offense please.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:10 pm
boondawg
“It amazes me how us guys that are for the most part inactive outside of mowing the yard, play church league softball three times a week with all the passion of a playoff race and seem to avoid injury. Yet the fine tuned athletes that are our Atlanta Braves can’t stay healthy.”
Agreed, But I only play Beer League Softball
McFann O O Get Well Soon, BMac!!!
July 29th, 2011
8:10 pm
Neight Clearly not one that the blog (and McFann) approved of.
Don’t I still count as part of the Blog…?
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
8:11 pm
Way to stay with it Ski!
Tomas
July 29th, 2011
8:11 pm
SoWega fanatic I agree, that has to be one of the reasons he’s struggled so much
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:11 pm
They are delicate flowers prone to bruise and wilt.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:11 pm
Beer League League Softball means
You bring a Keg and anyone who scores a run, funnels a beer. Makes for some good times from 3-7pm in 90 degree heat
SoWeGa Fanatic
July 29th, 2011
8:12 pm
Heyward hit opposite field rockets when he first came and now tries to pull everything.
N8
July 29th, 2011
8:12 pm
“However, you can’t tell me this team would be severely set back by moving a pitcher or two in the right deal.” njbraves
Absolutely without a doubt agree with you.
I just don’t happen to think Hunter Pence (he who’s not as productive as Jeff Francoeur against LHP and isn’t really a CF), is the “right deal”.
Sadly, we don’t seem to differ in what should be done with the prospects. It just seems we differ in WHO those prospects should be given up for.
I’m VERY MUCH against giving up both Delgado and Minor for Hunter Pence. Just don’t like him that much and think he’ll make a difference this year.
Peter
July 29th, 2011
8:12 pm
semiballcoach-
Hey better yet we could get Bill Murray to play the outfield. He’s pretty athletic, remember Space Jam?
noliee
July 29th, 2011
8:13 pm
but isn’t Houston notorious for being a hitter’s paradise? TnB
not really by the numbers though many seem to think it is. It is a good home run park but not all that much above neutral overall IIRC. Pence MIGHT hit a few less dingers at the Ted there is a pretty good size difference in LF.
N8
July 29th, 2011
8:13 pm
McFann, I meant to say “certainly not McFan”.
Of course you’re part of the blog. LOL
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:14 pm
If heyward gets any farther from plate he will bat from on deck circle.
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
8:14 pm
“Phillies, Astros progressing towards Pence deal” Ken Rosenthal
Had a good feeling that would happen, but it’s still aggravating me reading that cause I know how much he could help us.
Brave Fan
July 29th, 2011
8:15 pm
Wonder if Wagner is bored yet on the farm. If he is, and he stayed in shape, and we made a deal that could make us legit, and if he wanted to win a world series, it would be nice to bring him in the game in late innings!
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:15 pm
Who can Afford and get the time off to attend those HOF luncheons?
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
8:15 pm
8-0 Phils.
VaBravesFan
July 29th, 2011
8:15 pm
Hunter Pence is no question a good player, anyone who gets him is gonna overpay.
Positives in getting Pence.
-We add a impact bat for the stretch run, plus 2012/13
-Keep the Phillies from Getting him.
Negatives
-Price we pay in terms of prospects.
-Alot of money threw arbritration if a new contract isnt done.
McFann O O Get Well Soon, BMac!!!
July 29th, 2011
8:15 pm
Neight—
I know, just messin’ with ya…been a looooooong week…
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:16 pm
Seems like everyone but Braves are progressing toward a deal.
SoWeGa Fanatic
July 29th, 2011
8:16 pm
Now it shows up.
BFChris26
July 29th, 2011
8:16 pm
Ken_Rosenthal Ken Rosenthal
Pence talks are to point where another team will need to trump #Phillies with superior package. #Braves still trying. #tradedeadline #MLB
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
8:16 pm
…only in the third at Citizens Bank.
Ralph
July 29th, 2011
8:16 pm
@bravesFaninPA
I didn’t call you an idiot, I said un-informed. That subject has been discussed many times on this blog, he cannot and will not be asked to play SS only as a desperate situation. I am not smart enough to call anyone an idiot.
McFann O O Get Well Soon, BMac!!!
July 29th, 2011
8:16 pm
Wow…Fillies kickin’ some Pirate butt. They’re really gonna hate the NL East even more from here on out…
bravesfaninnc
July 29th, 2011
8:17 pm
Ken_Rosenthal Ken Rosenthal
Pence talks are to point where another team will need to trump #Phillies with superior package. #Braves still trying. #tradedeadline #MLB
2 minutes ago
Does anyone know what are we offering for Pence
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:17 pm
SoWeGa Fanatic
“Heyward hit opposite field rockets when he first came and now tries to pull everything.”
Co-Sign
Its sad when fans on a blog notice that and the hitting coach doesn’t
Cheesewhiz
Tom O'Hawke
July 29th, 2011
8:17 pm
If you’re to flippin studpid to grasp the differnce…
If they’re weren’t dumb people around, us smart ones wouldn’t have anything to compare ourselves to. — N8 @ 7:52
to? studpid? differnce? they’re weren’t (they are were not)???
I’m very happy to not be as smart as you, N8.
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2011
8:17 pm
Hi Tom
noliee
July 29th, 2011
8:18 pm
hey if they wanna give us an out-we’ll take it, silliness.
McFann O O Get Well Soon, BMac!!!
July 29th, 2011
8:18 pm
What’s shakin’, Tom?
BFChris26
July 29th, 2011
8:18 pm
jcrasnick Jerry Crasnick
The #Braves think they’re still right in the Hunter Pence race. They have more pitching to offer at upper levels than Phillies. #trades
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:19 pm
Cheer up Gonzo is leading off.
Trader Jack
July 29th, 2011
8:19 pm
Pirates look like they are playing in slow motion
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:19 pm
When was the Last Time Rafael Belliard Homered?
Brave Fan
July 29th, 2011
8:19 pm
We offered McClouth, Shafer, Proctor and that new back up catcher we signed the other day.
N8
July 29th, 2011
8:19 pm
That’s a little funny Tom O’Hawke, isn’t it?
keylargo
July 29th, 2011
8:20 pm
Yeah, Noleee it’s so much easier than tape used to be. Plus it has WiFi so I didn’t have to wire it. The only drawback is that I’m getting very close to my limits on what I understand. Technology is about to leave me in the dust.
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
8:20 pm
Put Pence somewhere in the middle of the Phillies lineup and it just got a lot better. He’ll be an even better hitter I’d imagine.
But we got AGon. Ugh.
Ralph
July 29th, 2011
8:20 pm
I don’t think Wren would want anyone to know who he is offering until a deal was done.
VaBravesFan
July 29th, 2011
8:20 pm
You have to think Mike Minor and Delgado are in the package. We alread know the Phillies have offered there best pitching and hitting prospects.
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:21 pm
Gonzo is better at throwing the bat than hitting with it.
Heath
July 29th, 2011
8:21 pm
Mets keep winning… up 6-2 in the 5th. And to think, they are sellers. And only 7 games behind the Braves.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:21 pm
Im Guessing Juan Pierre or Luis Castillo on the Trivia ?
As well as Chuck Carr
K with a K
July 29th, 2011
8:21 pm
juan pierra
Brave Fan
July 29th, 2011
8:22 pm
Our trump card is Chip Carey
Tomas
July 29th, 2011
8:22 pm
ifthe answer to the trivia isn’t Juan Pierre then who
abeeeewright
July 29th, 2011
8:22 pm
Braves really need to improve their “weak at bat profanity.” McCann’s and Hinske’s f-bombs are pretty epic. But the rest of the team really needs to come up with something more creative.
I’m thinking Gonzo should shout “Balls” when he makes another pop up to the infield.
Bobby's chaffeur
July 29th, 2011
8:22 pm
kawakami traded for Pence…..half on here would be pissed Wren gave up too much
bravesfaninnc
July 29th, 2011
8:22 pm
I don’t know this for a fact.But I think that the Braves and not Phillies are in the lead to get Pence.Think about this if the Phillies package is soo good then why is Houston talking to the braves/
Tony Austin
July 29th, 2011
8:22 pm
I missed it, how many pitches before Gonzalez made an out?
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:22 pm
Another inning down the tubes.
Tom O'Hawke
July 29th, 2011
8:23 pm
Hi, ladies.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
8:23 pm
I can still understand what interests me but stuff like all the phancy phonr crap leaves me in the dust too. No interest in even trying to understand tweeters …..other than in surround-sound speakers.
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:23 pm
Another bat with no pop in it.
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2011
8:23 pm
Send his sorry butt down! Constanza #fail!
(Has the blog turned on him yet? Just wanted to fit in!)
N8
July 29th, 2011
8:23 pm
“kawakami traded for Pence…..half on here would be pissed Wren gave up too much”
Yeah… all of those in the “We love overpriced, not very good, Japanese AA pitchers” Club would be pissed.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:23 pm
“This Bores Me! Is Anyone Up For a Game of Basketball?”
Brave Fan
July 29th, 2011
8:23 pm
He popped up a 3 – 1 fastball
At least he can play SS though
Delaware Dawg
July 29th, 2011
8:23 pm
Costanza grounds out to 2nd. He’s fitting right in with the team.
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2011
8:24 pm
Tom-
I’m still waiting…
Peter
July 29th, 2011
8:24 pm
Koko the Monkey.
McFann O O Get Well Soon, BMac!!!
July 29th, 2011
8:24 pm
Hullo, Tom!
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:24 pm
Uggla may have destroyed there chance to score this game.
Ralph
July 29th, 2011
8:25 pm
I don’t beleive 4 more BIG bats would help this team, they all might hit .400 but all their hits would come when there was nobody in scoring position.
njbraves
July 29th, 2011
8:25 pm
N8…I’m not sure I love Pence either. My thing is, look at this OF, it’s a mess. Couldn’t we live with Pence in CF for a year and a half, and then move him to left? Plus, we’d keep him out of Philly.
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
8:25 pm
Are there any four-letter Spanish expletives?
Choppinmama
July 29th, 2011
8:25 pm
Heyyy – just saw our Dear Blogmeister sitting next to Fredi in the dugout during a Marlins pre-game interview. He was making faces at the reporter too, kinda like “this is MY dugout, MY manager and MY house.”
He’s a little territoiral like that, I’ve heard.
VaBravesFan
July 29th, 2011
8:25 pm
Sounds like Wren might give up the house for Pence…
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
8:25 pm
Rollins
Polanco
Utley
Howard
Pence
Victorino
Ibanez
Ruiz
I really dread them getting Pence. When that lineup is hitting, and they look like they’re really starting to again, it can turn a semi star to a MVP type hitter.
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2011
8:26 pm
Here’s an unbelievable stat: Someone on Twitter asked when last Braves sac fly was. I said I couldn’t even remember one, and another reader did some research. Unofficially, the last sac fly for the Bravos was — gulp — June 21, Chipper against the Blue Jays.
FIVE WEEKS!
Heath
July 29th, 2011
8:26 pm
June 21st since the Braves (Chipper) last hit a sac fly???? That’s CRAZY DOB.
Tom O'Hawke
July 29th, 2011
8:26 pm
Hi, LAdy. Hi, McFann.
Better?
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:27 pm
Where is Scherholz Wren can go sell cars or something.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:27 pm
Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine expressed a lot of Profanity as well. Just too bad the audio back then is light years behind of what it is now
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2011
8:27 pm
Tom-
Not for you to say hi!
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
8:28 pm
Still in talks with Pence and Braves think they are still right in there with the Phillies in negotiations.
The Astros said they’d rather make a deal for Braves b/c they want pitching. Its been back and forth, but Im thinking Wren will get this done.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
8:28 pm
guy has almost no ability to hit even doubles regularly . Big league pitchers are prolly just gonna try to overpower him in the zone cause he won’t worry them much if he does hit it. Gonna be a tough road.
I’m glad he’s getting a chance though just like I was with Young— though he didn’t get much of one.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:28 pm
@D.O.B.
OUCH!
Heath
July 29th, 2011
8:28 pm
Lost in the trade discussion is the good pitching job Beachy is doing right now.
Bobby's chaffeur
July 29th, 2011
8:29 pm
With the quantative sampling of Costanza.The only conclusion is…send him back down
The A Bomb
July 29th, 2011
8:29 pm
Don’t often see F6 SAC FLY in the ‘ol scorebook.
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
8:29 pm
5 weeeeeks?!
Tom O'Hawke
July 29th, 2011
8:29 pm
cabravesfan
I took off on Monday afternoon, and just got back a little while ago. My internet time was very limited. I’ll have more of a chance this weekend.
kwajbraves
July 29th, 2011
8:29 pm
Beachy is looking good so far. Maybe we can scrounge a run or two tand get him a W.
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
8:29 pm
DOB, oh. my. God. Huh? And we wanted TP gone? Boy we look like fools. Wren and Scheurholz look dumber though for hiring a guy who is “on the job training”.
BravoMan
July 29th, 2011
8:29 pm
Bidding war!!! Exciting and frightening at the same time…
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:29 pm
This would be the guy they would trade and keep Lowe.
VaBravesFan
July 29th, 2011
8:30 pm
Hunter Pence would be a nice player to add, talking about a guy that will hit around 290.+ with around 20-25 homers a season. He would be here for the 2012 and 13 seasons as well.
Only problem is the price, is it worth it to give up a bigger package than the Phillies just to keep him from the Phillies? Talking about the package you have to think the Braves have 2 of the 4 big names involved with prolly 2 more prospects involved…
katherine
July 29th, 2011
8:30 pm
I dont think it is worth it to give up to much for pence…..brings back memories of he tex trade and how awful that turned out to be.
Dan_in_NC
July 29th, 2011
8:30 pm
I got it folks…big 3 way deal going down.
Astros get Randall Delgado, low level prospect, high level prospect from the Reds
Reds get Mike Minor, Michael Bourn, another low to mid level prospect…
Braves get Hunter Pence and Drew Stubbs…
Teejayy
July 29th, 2011
8:30 pm
I have Ken Rosenthal’s, Buster Olney’s, Jerry Crasnick’s, Mark Bowman’s, and DOB’s twitter’s up just in case. If anything breaks, I’LL KNOW.
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2011
8:30 pm
Tom-
Excuses, excuses! Am I supposed to feel bad that you were at the Cave all week and I was left here waiting? BOO!
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
8:31 pm
Bobby’s chaffeur,
Well, lets give him a coupla more ABs.
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2011
8:31 pm
That sac fly stat was correct — Braves haven’t had one in five weeks, and rank last in majors with 12. Next fewest: 15.
Two teams, Yankees and Royals, have 38 sac flies.
Ralph
July 29th, 2011
8:31 pm
DOB, don’t you think that should be grounds to fire the hitting coach, sorry I know you can’t answer that.
katherine
July 29th, 2011
8:32 pm
now if they want minor and schaffer ok…none of our great pitchers of the future please! What they really need is a short stop who doesnt negatively affect the team night after night IMO
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:32 pm
Every pitcher can shut these jokers down.
N8
July 29th, 2011
8:32 pm
“N8…I’m not sure I love Pence either. My thing is, look at this OF, it’s a mess. Couldn’t we live with Pence in CF for a year and a half, and then move him to left? Plus, we’d keep him out of Philly.” njbraves
We could. But then couldn’t you also ask the question about what if we just “road out” the 2011 season hoping people got healthy, or made lesser moves to simply improve. Which wouldn’t require all the pitching to be dealt away.
THEN in the off-season you move some of that pitching for somebody better than Pence. I don’t have anybody specific in mind.
But my theory is two-fold on the Pence thing.
1) If our main RBI guys aren’t healthy and producing (Mac, Chipper, Prado, Uggla and Heyward)…. then Pence isn’t going to make a damn bit of difference. He’ll just simply be the other guy other than Freeman that teams pitch around.
2) If those guys ARE healthy and producing? Then we really won’t need anybody. This team can survive with Nate/Jordan in CF and Gonzo at SS playing defense and occasionally making contact.
If your reasoning for trading pence is because he’s under control and can also be used next year…. why not wait until this off-season and get somebody BETTER and CHEAPER that can help out next year?
Because as our health in our lineup currently stands, I don’t think Pence makes a damn bit of difference either way. Still nobody on base for him to knock in, and even if they’d make him the leadoff hitter, if those guys aren’t healthy, there will be nobody to know HIM in.
That’s my theory and I’m stickin’ to it.
That is why I don’t feel Pence is worth the calculated risk/reward of giving up Minor and Delgado.
I think Wren can do better if he is so inclined to move BOTH of those guys in one trade. Just might have to wait until the Winter meetings to do so.
noliee
July 29th, 2011
8:32 pm
WHAT? You don’t hate him yet Mixxo?
kwajbraves
July 29th, 2011
8:32 pm
We must lead the league on pop ups with RISP.
McFann O O Get Well Soon, BMac!!!
July 29th, 2011
8:32 pm
Tom—
Oh, I was cool with your first hello…I just…thought I should say something back to acknowledge it…and that was all I could think of.
VaBravesFan
July 29th, 2011
8:32 pm
Dan in NC
The deal kinda makes some sense, except for the Astros arnt getting enough in return.
Ralph
July 29th, 2011
8:33 pm
When was the last HR we hit????
Busch leaguer
July 29th, 2011
8:33 pm
some much for those scrappy Pirates . Phillies 8 pirates 0 bottom4.
abeeeewright
July 29th, 2011
8:34 pm
How many sac flies does Hunter Pence have?
N8
July 29th, 2011
8:34 pm
“That sac fly stat was correct — Braves haven’t had one in five weeks, and rank last in majors with 12. Next fewest: 15.
Two teams, Yankees and Royals, have 38 sac flies.”
Francouer, Melky and Tex have combined for 17 of them.
Trey
July 29th, 2011
8:34 pm
My thing is do you think Pence can perform as well in Atlanta as he did in Houston? I ask because from what I heard is that Houston is a hitter’s park.
Tom O'Hawke
July 29th, 2011
8:35 pm
Sorry, LAdy, without your laptop, I figured I wouldn’t bother you on your work computer. Did you just get it back?
keylargo
July 29th, 2011
8:35 pm
Unofficially, the last sac fly for the Bravos was — gulp — June 21, Chipper against the Blue Jays.
Marteeen proudly pointed out he was thrown out on an attempted Sac Fly this week.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:35 pm
I Don’t like Punktree TV cutting out during the At-Bats!
Vol_In_Ohio
July 29th, 2011
8:35 pm
Absolutely shocking (and pitiful) statistic. What’s more surprising? That one or the streak where they lost something like 30 one run games in a row.
At least they are winning games somehow now.
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:35 pm
The Pirate pitching is not that great after all.
N8
July 29th, 2011
8:35 pm
To split it up more. Francouer and Melky have combined for 13 of them. Tex has 4.
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
8:35 pm
Mac,Chipper,Freeman and Prado are the only ones you watch at the plate and feel they can get on base. Two are out hurt, one isn’t as good as last year and the other is a rookie.
But we’re gonna let Philly get a guy I think we really need. For now and the future.
VaBravesFan
July 29th, 2011
8:35 pm
jcrasnick Jerry Crasnick
Ed Wade is in a good spot to play #Phillies & #Braves off against each other. Division contenders duking it out for Pence. #trades
jcrasnick Jerry Crasnick
At any rate, the #Braves are still talking to #Astros about Pence. No one there appears to be conceding anything. #trades
TommyP
July 29th, 2011
8:35 pm
Honestly can’t wait to see how Ed Wade fares this weekend. He has so many guys that he needs to deal from that crappy roster… yet he’ll probably overplay his hand and not deal anyone.
Worst GM in baseball.
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
8:35 pm
noliee,
Not yet noliee. There’s only one player on this team I can’t stand. I like eager rooks with urgency. He seems to have that.
Brave Fan
July 29th, 2011
8:36 pm
Whats that mean? I can’t use that B word or something
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
8:36 pm
Great inning so far eh?
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2011
8:36 pm
Tom-
Yes. (It was apparently ready yesterday and they forgot to call me)- but it is actually easier to check e-mail on the work computer because it has outlook on it- I have to access it through the web on the laptop so I don’t often leave it open
noliee
July 29th, 2011
8:36 pm
I mentioned that Chipper Jones SF when someone brought it up last week, but I wasn’t seriously sure it really was the last one. my my
Ralph
July 29th, 2011
8:37 pm
I posted earlier that the Phils would sweep the Pirates because I think the Pirates are almost as terriable as we are.
Peter
July 29th, 2011
8:37 pm
Marlins announcer’s said that Freeman and Stanton were teammates on some amateur team in So Cal. That must’ve been a good team!
Philly Phanatic
July 29th, 2011
8:37 pm
Both fan bases have a half night off. We’re both watching Braves/Marlins. We’ve all got a better chance of going up in the space shuttle than Halladay losing the 8-0 lead they gave him. Fact: Hank Aaron’s favorite baseball player is Chase Utley. Fact: When someone asked Halladay what’s the biggest difference between the blue Jays and the Phillies his answer was Chace Utley. Arguably best all around player in the game. Hate to use the cliche but epitomises 5 tool player. He runs faster to first on a grounder to the pitcher than most do on a ball hit to the shortstop in he hole. Excellnt chance of Pence being a Phillie tomorrow. Braves get Willie Mays.
Bobby's chaffeur
July 29th, 2011
8:37 pm
Where would we be in the standings if we had Chase utley and the Phillies had Alex G all season?
Vol_In_Ohio
July 29th, 2011
8:37 pm
Count me as one who doesn’t want to trade the farm for Pence. Rather be competitive this year and for the next 5-10 years too. He’ll cost almost as much as a free agent would.
The A Bomb
July 29th, 2011
8:37 pm
Braves still working on making contact.
Tagging up practice not til Aug. 15.
Tom O'Hawke
July 29th, 2011
8:38 pm
That’s OK, McFann. I always enjoy repeat “hello’s” from the ladies.
VaBravesFan
July 29th, 2011
8:38 pm
Trey
Pence is a good player no question. Its not the ballpark. Problem is he isnt a superstar like the price tag indicates.
katherine
July 29th, 2011
8:38 pm
Ralph
July 29th, 2011
8:37 pm
I posted earlier that the Phils would sweep the Pirates because I think the Pirates are almost as terriable as we are.
Way to be a debbie downer already tonight
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
8:38 pm
1.Constanza
2.Prado
3.Mac
4.Pence
5.Freeman
6.Uggla
7.Heyward
8.Gonzo
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:38 pm
I think Uggla is fixing to Struggla.
Venice Jim
July 29th, 2011
8:39 pm
I posted earlier that the Phils would sweep the Pirates because I think the Pirates are almost as terriable as we are.
Which explains why we’re 0-12 against the Phillies this year…
Dan_in_NC
July 29th, 2011
8:39 pm
VABravesFan…
That was just a rough estimate on my part…
The two high level pitching prospects that we may have to give up could go to get both Pence and Stubbs…of course the Reds would need to throw in at least one high level prospect in order to make it beneficial to Houston. Plus either us or the Reds could throw in another major league ready player if need be…Schafer maybe?
That deal would help us greatly for a post-season run. Stubbs would be a definite go in center for 2012. And even if we couldn’t keep Pence, we’ll get compensated…
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
8:39 pm
How many looping slurves off the plate does this pitcher have to throw before our hitters realize to either NOT swing at it, or don’t try and pull it?
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:39 pm
Is it me or has Uggla gotten back to being Pull happy the last few games?
Heath
July 29th, 2011
8:39 pm
Poo!
The A Bomb
July 29th, 2011
8:39 pm
Uggla totally guessing on that at-bat.
kwajbraves
July 29th, 2011
8:39 pm
Getting shut down by another mediocre pitcher. Our pitching staff deserves better.
bravesfaninnc
July 29th, 2011
8:40 pm
jcrasnick Jerry Crasnick
At any rate, the #Braves are still talking to #Astros about Pence. No one there appears to be conceding anything. #trades
11 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:40 pm
TnBrian
Agreed!
That P’s Me off!
Sheffield Would have 2 homers off this Jabrone by now! Sheffield Roided up or not, didn’t miss mistakes
Mixxo
July 29th, 2011
8:40 pm
Utley IS amazing alright. I’m jealous.
Kat
July 29th, 2011
8:40 pm
Five weeks… wow…
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:40 pm
The pitch he struck out on was terrible. Right down the middle waist high. He prefers foot outside in the dirt.
Bobby's chaffeur
July 29th, 2011
8:40 pm
not that i have a problem with our second baseman
katherine
July 29th, 2011
8:40 pm
lol dang you all act like we arent right in the middle of a pennant race despite all the injuries and slow starts…how about stopping all the negativity for a few min and just enjoy it
abeeeewright
July 29th, 2011
8:40 pm
The stolen base stat early in the year fell into the same category as the sac fly stat. Absurdly low, but not necessarily correlated with scoring runs. However, when you combine the sac fly futility with the lack of hitting with RISP and with the current lack of power. Ugh. Five long weeks.
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
8:40 pm
1.Prado 3B
2.Pence LF
3.Mac
4.Uggla
5.Freeman
6.Heyward
7.Gonzo
8.Nate
McFann O O Get Well Soon, BMac!!!
July 29th, 2011
8:41 pm
Tom—
Ah, good! I’ll keep that in mind!
Dude, this game is boring…
SoWeGa Fanatic
July 29th, 2011
8:41 pm
Ed Wade has to get a killer package for Pence. His job is on the line over there.
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
8:41 pm
Braves haven’t had a sac fly in 5 weeks? Are you serious? You can blame the hitters, but I would think this is a dead giveaway that our coaches are garbage as well.
Mldtown
July 29th, 2011
8:41 pm
Pirates running into a buzzsaw tonight.
Heath
July 29th, 2011
8:42 pm
Doc is pitching for the Phils tonight… if the Pirates are going to have night where they give up a ton, might as well be tonight because Doc is not giving up anything to that lineup.
Tomas
July 29th, 2011
8:42 pm
12 sac fly’s, wonder how many wasted opportunities.
katherine
July 29th, 2011
8:42 pm
Dennis Reynolds
July 29th, 2011
8:40 pm
1.Prado 3B
2.Pence LF
3.Mac
4.Uggla
5.Freeman
6.Heyward
7.Gonzo
8.Nate
I wouldnt bat gonzo anywhere but 8th…and even 9th sometimes since most pitchers hit better
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:42 pm
Any pitcher breathing is hard on these guys.
Peter
July 29th, 2011
8:42 pm
It seems like whenever a hitter goes from “struggling” to “hot” the reason is because they all of a sudden realize that they can start trying to hit the ball up the middle or the other way. So why to hitters continue to be so pull happy? Just doesn’t make sense.
Tom O'Hawke
July 29th, 2011
8:42 pm
Hi, Venice Jim. Working hard?
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:43 pm
Vol_In_Ohio
“Count me as one who doesn’t want to trade the farm for Pence. Rather be competitive this year and for the next 5-10 years too. He’ll cost almost as much as a free agent would.”
Pence will be another Nate Mclouth here, Bank On It!. He hits in a hitters ballpark and has padded his stats the last few years because he has played on Garbage Dis-Astros teams 1/2 his career
Bobby's chaffeur
July 29th, 2011
8:43 pm
Mldtown
July 29th, 2011
8:41 pm
Pirates running into a buzzsaw tonight.
of course we wore them out playing 235 innings in four games
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
8:43 pm
If Larry Parrish is still the hitting coach at the start of spring training, I’m not sure I can watch the Braves in 2012.
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:44 pm
When is the last time Gonzo had a hit to RF
Tony Austin
July 29th, 2011
8:44 pm
I’m get nervous about the Marlins scoring a run, for I know that’ll men an uphill battle for the Braves.
Ralph
July 29th, 2011
8:44 pm
Walks=Runs
Tony Austin
July 29th, 2011
8:44 pm
**men s/b mean
Trey
July 29th, 2011
8:45 pm
Vabravesfan, no doubt that he is a good player, but do you think he’d be hitting as well in a ball park like Atlanta?
Tomas
July 29th, 2011
8:45 pm
loving the Jack Mckeon stories.
Tony Austin
July 29th, 2011
8:45 pm
Kind of makes you wonder if TP was all that bad.
katherine
July 29th, 2011
8:45 pm
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
8:43 pm
If Larry Parrish is still the hitting coach at the start of spring training, I’m not sure I can watch the Braves in 2012.
oh come on now…people last season were saying it was all pendeltons fault…now its parrish…its obviously a league wide problem since a lot of hitters are stuggling this season.
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
8:45 pm
Dammit SeaBass.
Heath
July 29th, 2011
8:45 pm
Oh Gonzo!!!! You’re on the team still for defense. You GOTTA make that play.
VaBravesFan
July 29th, 2011
8:45 pm
There is just no way the Braves trade more than 2 of those top 4 arms. Most likely Minor and Delgado plus others. But maybe the Braves are being creative and trying to get Bourn or someone else as well. This could very well be a 5 or 6 man package we send.
Gotta remember the Phillies have offered there best hitting prospect and pitching prospect. And got denied, and have offered more to be the favorite. Now its a bidding war basically and it could get pretty crazy.
Craig
July 29th, 2011
8:45 pm
I HATE ALEX GONZALEZ!
kwajbraves
July 29th, 2011
8:46 pm
Good job Ozzie Smith.
abeeeewright
July 29th, 2011
8:46 pm
That should count as two or three errors.
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:46 pm
If he aint gonna catch the ball he sure aint gonna hit.
Bobby's chaffeur
July 29th, 2011
8:46 pm
Throw your glove down since you don’t have a bat in your hand Alex…
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:46 pm
Rough Night for Rafael Belliard!
That will cost us! Watch!
Tom O'Hawke
July 29th, 2011
8:46 pm
lol dang you all act like we arent right in the middle of a pennant race despite all the injuries and slow starts…how about stopping all the negativity for a few min and just enjoy it — katherine
I like your thinking, but a few minutes is probably too much to ask. Try for seconds, first.
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
8:46 pm
This game is about to get ugly. I can feel it.
Tony Austin
July 29th, 2011
8:46 pm
I thought he was still in the lineup for his defense.
katherine
July 29th, 2011
8:46 pm
alex is hurting the team in the field now as well as in the lineup…he needs to go. put lugo in
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
8:46 pm
It’s ok Alex, your bat makes up …. oops! My bad
Mister Frisky
July 29th, 2011
8:46 pm
Offense looks to be firing on all cylinders as usual.
SoWeGa Fanatic
July 29th, 2011
8:46 pm
I think I would hit Stanton 4th.
The A Bomb
July 29th, 2011
8:47 pm
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…..
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:47 pm
should have been DP
Brave Fan
July 29th, 2011
8:47 pm
We have to live and die on every pitch.
BECAUSE
No lead off guy or LF that can hit
BECAUSE
Then we would not have to be perfect pitching/defensively.
Blankster
July 29th, 2011
8:47 pm
Sea Bass!!!!!
Tomahawk Mafia
July 29th, 2011
8:48 pm
Another frustrating game to watch.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:48 pm
Tony Austin
“Kind of makes you wonder if TP was all that bad.”
At Least Pre-injury Hurtward was a Stud when TP was hitting Coach! Its Time to Ol Yeller Parriash!
kwajbraves
July 29th, 2011
8:48 pm
I hope that FW doesn’t see Cameron. He’s sucker for over the hill RH bats.
Heath
July 29th, 2011
8:48 pm
There we go… whew. Needed that.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 29th, 2011
8:48 pm
That’s how you turn a double play. Good play by Prado.
clay dalrymple
July 29th, 2011
8:48 pm
can’t hit, now his fielding is killing us, gonzo’s gotto go, man this team is getting boring. Mary Tyler Moore over on METV is looking better all the time
katherine
July 29th, 2011
8:48 pm
nice dp
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:48 pm
Nice DP
“That’s The Way I Like It!”
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
8:48 pm
Nice DP!
Trey
July 29th, 2011
8:48 pm
I can’t even see the game. Something’s wrong with my channel. This sucks.
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
8:48 pm
I hate Fredi Gonzalez. Every time they pan to him in the dugout he reminds me of a younger Hispanic version of my fat-ass grandfather dozing off in his lay-z-boy recliner.
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:49 pm
Mister Frisky you are right about offense
kwajbraves
July 29th, 2011
8:49 pm
Offense looks to be firing on all cylinders as usual.
Yep, we are a Yugo.
Bobby's chaffeur
July 29th, 2011
8:49 pm
can’t give the opposing team 5 outs an inning..usually hurts
Jerry
July 29th, 2011
8:49 pm
Just got home from work and found out that Nate had been DLed because he injured himself throwing the ball. Really? The guy doesn’t throw the ball hard enough to get hurt. He’s like a knuckleball pitcher. How the hell could he get hurt. Then I hear that Contanza has been brought up to play center. It just keeps getting better for this team. I don’t know jack about Contanza, except that he sucked in spring training. Heyward’s first at bat was (drum roll)…a weak grounder to second. here’s a thought for the opposition. Sit your whole team down when Heyward strides to the plate. All you need is a pitcher, catcher, and of course, a second baseman. So help me God, I would go to church every week if Heyward was demoted or traded. Lastly, as much trouble as we had scoring runs against the Bucs, the Phils are blowing them out. I bet they sweep them and we were lucky to split with them, IN OUR PLACE!
VaBravesFan
July 29th, 2011
8:49 pm
Trey
I think Pence would be a fine player in Atlanta, Might hit a few less homers, but still good bat you can plug somewhere in the heart of the order. If we get him will be overpaying for sure…. Alot of us will be upset with his production still even if he put up a 300. avg and 20 homers for 2 more seasons.
Gary O
July 29th, 2011
8:49 pm
Freddi loves AGON for his defense. So when he makes an error, I hope he can make up for it with a big offensive night
abeeeewright
July 29th, 2011
8:49 pm
Good job of Marteeeen to cut off the ball and turn the double play. Gonzalez had some words for him (seemed to be joking) as they went back into position.
Teejayy
July 29th, 2011
8:49 pm
Ken_Rosenthal Ken Rosenthal
Sources: #Phillies close to acquiring #Astros’ Pence. Deal expected to be completed tonight.
Blankster
July 29th, 2011
8:49 pm
This team rly isnt fun to watch is it
clay dalrymple
July 29th, 2011
8:50 pm
chip and tim sound like there not too much into this game either
Braves20
July 29th, 2011
8:50 pm
Get tired of hearing how we should overlook our shortstop’s lousy offensive performance because of his defense. Dude has little range and always manages kick one in a crucial situation.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:50 pm
katherine
“alex is hurting the team in the field now as well as in the lineup…he needs to go. put lugo in”
lol, that sounds like you menat to say P.U.G.O.
Sorry for the Beavis and Butthead reference
Tomas
July 29th, 2011
8:50 pm
Pence going to Philly tonight. Wren acquire Upton please, or Quentin if you can
BFChris26
July 29th, 2011
8:51 pm
Ken_Rosenthal Ken Rosenthal
Sources: #Phillies close to acquiring #Astros’ Pence. Deal expected to be completed tonight. #tradedeadline #MLB
Heath
July 29th, 2011
8:51 pm
Any chance Beachy could be in the deal instead of Minor with the hope that by including Beachy, they will give up less players? He’s showing he is major league-ready and effective.
katherine
July 29th, 2011
8:51 pm
good…let the phillies overpay for pence…he isnt worth it
Braves95WS
July 29th, 2011
8:51 pm
Ken_Rosenthal Ken Rosenthal
Sources: #Phillies close to acquiring #Astros’ Pence. Deal expected to be completed tonight. #tradedeadline #MLB
Brave Fan
July 29th, 2011
8:51 pm
McClouth isn’t hurt. Wren finally had enough to say lets try the Gwinnett guy. Nates a team guy. He’ll take a couple weeks off and then rehab…
Tony Austin
July 29th, 2011
8:51 pm
Pence to the Phillies doesn’t really bother me that much for I don’t think he is a real difference maker. He would have to be a difference maker in ATL, in PHI he can compliment their lineup.
Bobby's chaffeur
July 29th, 2011
8:51 pm
Gonzo costing Beachy extra pitches
Rilo
July 29th, 2011
8:51 pm
I wonder if Wren wants this team to hit rock bottom before he makes the trade.
Trey
July 29th, 2011
8:51 pm
Oh I agree with that VAB, I just think he is getting a little bit more hype than needed. The Astros really are asking a lot for him. Our GM just needs to figure out if what we give up for him will be worth it. Honestly, even though I think he may be getting too much hype I’d probably pull the trigger and offer Minor and some others and put Kawakami in there as a side.
BravoMan
July 29th, 2011
8:51 pm
#Phillies close to acquiring #Astros’ Pence. Deal expected to be completed tonight–Ken Rosenthal
Tomahawk Mafia
July 29th, 2011
8:51 pm
Please, get Hensley out.
Heath
July 29th, 2011
8:52 pm
We all feared Pence to Philly, but it really gives you a sinking feeling when it becomes reality, doesn’t it?
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:52 pm
Well said jerry.
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
8:52 pm
God, why in the hell do people want BJ Upton on this team? We need another crappy outfielder to compliment Jason and Jordan or something? Look at BJ Upton’s stats. He is pure garbage. You guys must be confused with Justin Upton or something.
katherine
July 29th, 2011
8:52 pm
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:50 pm
katherine
“alex is hurting the team in the field now as well as in the lineup…he needs to go. put lugo in”
lol, that sounds like you menat to say P.U.G.O.
Sorry for the Beavis and Butthead reference
Im sorry ….I dont get it lol
Tomas
July 29th, 2011
8:52 pm
Beachy’s best start of the second half so far. Looks very good
Kat
July 29th, 2011
8:53 pm
“jonmorosi Jon Morosi by mlbtraderumors Singleton and Cosart are in the Pence deal, source says. #Phillies #Astros”
Brave Fan
July 29th, 2011
8:53 pm
Pass on Pence
Get Bourn
Braves95WS
July 29th, 2011
8:53 pm
I agree Heath. Just a totally defeating feeling.
Frankie Wren
July 29th, 2011
8:53 pm
kwajbraves–
Too late …already been in touch with Florida about Mike. Cam can still run ‘em down in center and he’s right handed which is what we’re looking for. Interested am I….
kwajbraves
July 29th, 2011
8:53 pm
Atlanta’s scoreboard looks like a dunkin donuts rack. A lot of 0 in it.
Teejayy
July 29th, 2011
8:54 pm
Phillies top prospects are in the deal for Pence – Morosi
katherine
July 29th, 2011
8:54 pm
Heath
July 29th, 2011
8:52 pm
We all feared Pence to Philly, but it really gives you a sinking feeling when it becomes reality, doesn’t it?
No…not at all. Let them be the stupid ones who give away their future for a so so player. Also, we dont want any washed up players like coco crisp or bj upton either
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:54 pm
Co-Sign Jerry
Welcome To The Bar! What Can I get For Ya?
Heath
July 29th, 2011
8:54 pm
I actually think Upton has more potential upside than Pence… He may never materialize to that, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have more raw talent.
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:54 pm
If they don’t get Quentin or Pence just pack it in and dont overpay for LUdwig
Puma
July 29th, 2011
8:54 pm
Looks like Beachy is throwing a lot of pitches and missing his spots to me
Bravefaninok
July 29th, 2011
8:54 pm
pence is still in the game for houston….it ain’t done yet.
Tomas
July 29th, 2011
8:55 pm
Singleton and Cozart
TBFKB (Billy)
July 29th, 2011
8:55 pm
Heath..I’m thanking our lucky stars that we did not give up what Philly will end up giving……No desire for Pence to come here at the expense of our arms. We are built to go for our shot in ‘12 and ‘13 while being competitive this year.
Peter
July 29th, 2011
8:55 pm
I have a feeling I am really going to hate Hunter Pence.
kwajbraves
July 29th, 2011
8:55 pm
@ FW: Not to mention that he’s still breathing. Go and get him before the Phils up the price. Get them Proctor, KK and McLouth. They can keep the change.
K with a K
July 29th, 2011
8:55 pm
Get Upton and Quentin…Prop be close to what you would have to give up for Pence in ths Braves-Phils bidding war.
BFChris26
July 29th, 2011
8:55 pm
Kevin_Goldstein Kevin Goldstein
Hefty price. RT @jonmorosi Singleton and Cosart are in the Pence deal, source says. #Phillies #Astros
Peter
July 29th, 2011
8:56 pm
Phillies prospect Singleton removed from his game.
BFChris26
July 29th, 2011
8:56 pm
jonmorosi Jon Morosi
#Phillies close to acquiring Pence from #Astros for package including Jonathan Singleton and Jarrod Cosart, sources tell FOXSports.com.
jrn
July 29th, 2011
8:56 pm
chipper is stealing money its sad
bravephan
July 29th, 2011
8:56 pm
uh oh. pence is off the table. philly pulling prospects from their respective games…
UKUGA
July 29th, 2011
8:56 pm
As long as the Phillies have to overpay for Pence, I’m fine with it.
This is back2back years, though, that former Phillie Ed Wade has sent over a key piece to Philly in the middle of a play-off race.
Too bad that Wren’s boy, Dayton Moore doesn’t have someone like that to hand over to the Braves.
Quentin sounds likely; while Upton seems more like the type of guy the Braves usually get. Upton seems like a better off-season deal, while Quentin could probably be expected to make a bigger impact immediately.
Patrick
July 29th, 2011
8:56 pm
Of course. One last dagger making us all think
Pence may come here and now he’s just going to
go to the World Series
Mister Frisky
July 29th, 2011
8:56 pm
Thanks Gator gottabget back to Kellys Heroes on military channel.Even with commercials it’s more entertaining than the offense.
Blankster
July 29th, 2011
8:56 pm
Anyone else notice how hinske sucks when he has to play too often?
katherine
July 29th, 2011
8:56 pm
no more washed up players on the verge of retiring!
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
8:56 pm
Braves are going to acquire Jason Bay and Chone Figgins.
James
July 29th, 2011
8:56 pm
B.J. Upton should be who the braves trade for but if we can’t get him then Carlos Quentin should be the next option,
Ralph
July 29th, 2011
8:56 pm
Yeah just wait til we get ??????
BFChris26
July 29th, 2011
8:56 pm
magelb Matt Gelb
Jonathan Singleton was just yanked from Clearwater’s game at Palm Beach. Deal is almost done. http://bit.ly/pFBF1n
abeeeewright
July 29th, 2011
8:57 pm
Braves need to get some greenies in them. They look utterly flat so far tonight.
bravesfaninnc
July 29th, 2011
8:57 pm
I have a feeling that Frank Wren has just become the worst GM in Baseball for not doing anything he can to put the Braves on top
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:57 pm
This sucks if Wren had done something we all would not be feeling our chances dwindling now.
clay dalrymple
July 29th, 2011
8:57 pm
upton would be perfect here, another one chasing the mendoza line and swinging at anything near the plate
The A Bomb
July 29th, 2011
8:57 pm
Pence, Asomugha…..Best day for Philly since the Constitution was signed.
Meanwhile, we must be scouting Infante because we’re testing him over and over and over….
Heath
July 29th, 2011
8:57 pm
@phuturephilliesjames.
Singleton has been removed from the game in Clearwater http://t.co/ZeOFS9U
It looks done for the Phils.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:57 pm
Regarding the Triva Question:
I Won! Give Me My Money!
BFChris26
July 29th, 2011
8:57 pm
Ken_Rosenthal Ken Rosenthal
Source: #Astros will get Singleton, Cosart and 2 players to be named from #Phillies for Pence. PTBN not major prospects
abeeeewright
July 29th, 2011
8:58 pm
Good man, that fan! Pulls the ball out of Sanchez’s glove.
Rilo
July 29th, 2011
8:58 pm
Hensley is the greatest pitcher in MLB. (boy, this list of amazing piters is getting REALLY loooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnggggggg)
kwajbraves
July 29th, 2011
8:58 pm
At least our fans are doing something.
UKUGA
July 29th, 2011
8:58 pm
Pence will have to eat an extra biscuit for breakfast when he gets to Philly. No more 315 feet homers. It takes 329 to hit it out to left at CBP.
Blankster
July 29th, 2011
8:58 pm
Sign that fan up to play left field?
Fightin' Phil
July 29th, 2011
8:58 pm
Phillies + Pence = You losers will finish in 2nd place. See ya!
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:58 pm
If I was the Fan, I would’ve cussed him out!
Brave4life-1995 all over again??
July 29th, 2011
8:58 pm
Pence to Phillies deal done
katherine
July 29th, 2011
8:58 pm
jrn
July 29th, 2011
8:56 pm
chipper is stealing money its sad
What a ridiculous thing to say! he is getting older and it takes longer to heal..the guy give it his all every time. he is a great player and I hope he comes back soon
Heath
July 29th, 2011
8:58 pm
@Ken_RosenthalKen Rosenthal
Source: #Astros will get Singleton, Cosart and 2 players to be named from #Phillies for Pence. PTBN not major prospects #tradedeadline #MLB
SoWeGa Fanatic
July 29th, 2011
8:58 pm
Puma
July 29th, 2011
8:54 pm
Looks like Beachy is throwing a lot of pitches and missing his spots to me
***************************
Dude, he’s given up 1 hit thru five! He must b doing something right.
TnBrian
July 29th, 2011
8:58 pm
Regardless of what any Braves player will say on camera, it has to be a deflating feeling when you see the team you’re trying to chase improve like this. Especially a guy that your team wanted.
I hope Wren gets a big bat, an everyday player. I just feel a Ludwick/Willingham coming here.
bravesfaninnc
July 29th, 2011
8:59 pm
Wren should be Fired right now.
Blankster
July 29th, 2011
8:59 pm
Phillies + pence = waste of your payroll the next two years
Tomas
July 29th, 2011
8:59 pm
Astros got hossed again. Cosarts sucks
Bravefaninok
July 29th, 2011
8:59 pm
Patrick
July 29th, 2011
8:56 pm
Of course. One last dagger making us all think
Pence may come here and now he’s just going to
go to the World Series
HaHa they still gotta beat the Giants,who they can’t beat but the braves can…..Baseball is an funny like that.
Gary O
July 29th, 2011
8:59 pm
I dont mind the Phills getting Pence…IF the Braves get Quentin.
VaBravesFan
July 29th, 2011
8:59 pm
Well Wren did good not to crack and give the Astros the house. The Philles are going all in for the next 3-4 years.
njbraves
July 29th, 2011
8:59 pm
Same exact game every single night.
katherine
July 29th, 2011
8:59 pm
Fightin’ Phil
July 29th, 2011
8:58 pm
Phillies + Pence = You losers will finish in 2nd place. See ya!
LOL you gave up wayyy to much for a so so player…good luck with that
later gator
July 29th, 2011
8:59 pm
Jason a robust 222. 3-20 in their time of need.
Craig
July 29th, 2011
8:59 pm
Quentin > Pence
We get him, we are fine.
Nick Saban
July 29th, 2011
8:59 pm
B.J. Upton should be who the braves trade for but if we can’t get him then Carlos Quentin should be the next option,
Please explain how BJ Upton can help this team. Seriously. He is terrible.
Tony Austin
July 29th, 2011
9:00 pm
Yet another productive inning.
Brave4life-1995 all over again??
July 29th, 2011
9:00 pm
Man
Now we really need a bat
McFann O O Get Well Soon, BMac!!!
July 29th, 2011
9:00 pm
Holy cow! Somebody score! ANYBODY!!
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2011
9:00 pm
If this report is accurate, it would’ve taken more than Minor to land Pence. Because Phillies are giving up Cosart AND Singleton, two of Keith Law’s recent top-25-rated prospects
Tomahawk Mafia
July 29th, 2011
9:00 pm
This team hits more weak groundballs and pop ups than any team I’ve ever seen.
Blankster
July 29th, 2011
9:00 pm
Heyward got it out the infield so i guess thats a good at bat for him
Fightin' Phil
July 29th, 2011
9:00 pm
I’m just glad we have a GM with the resources, to include the sack, to get a deal done. Don’t worry though…you guys will always have yesterday and lots of division banners. One WS though. That must suck.
NORRIS
July 29th, 2011
9:01 pm
I have a question:
If we cant get Pence or Quentin or someone of value then why settle on something that we dont need. Why give prospects for someone that is no better than what we have. so basically im saying why give away our talent if we cant get what we really want? I dont think we should give away talent just to satisfy the masses. unless it is of course for a real upgrade.
Heath
July 29th, 2011
9:01 pm
@Ken_RosenthalKen Rosenthal
#Astros, #Phillies may announce one of players to be named tonight. Four-player return: Singleton, Cosart, two more. #tradedeadline #MLB
Sounds done to me
Brave Fan
July 29th, 2011
9:01 pm
Upton my A**
If we do that we might as well let Gonzo and Hanley switch dugouts to save on travel.
Same attitudes and work ethic
The A Bomb
July 29th, 2011
9:01 pm
ZERO — the official number of your Atlanta Braves!
Braves95WS
July 29th, 2011
9:01 pm
Braves now need Bourn and Quentin.
Blankster
July 29th, 2011
9:01 pm
The phillies got bent over. HAHA!
later gator
July 29th, 2011
9:01 pm
This is pathetic night after night
McFann O O Get Well Soon, BMac!!!
July 29th, 2011
9:02 pm
Fillies are getting Pence?
Jay Dubu
July 29th, 2011
9:02 pm
Last 4 – 5 games, the Braves’ starters have come back to their standard, by keeping the game low scoring.
Have to get the bats going just a little. WHen the pitching is this good, not a lot of runs are needed.
NORRIS
July 29th, 2011
9:02 pm
phillies deal is done. they will announce tonight. once again we get no one while the phillies get the best the league has to offer.
im sick of it.
Brave4life-1995 all over again??
July 29th, 2011
9:02 pm
All the reports I am hearing are that the Braves are unwilling to part with there big 4 Teheran, Minor, Vizcaino, Delgado
Its gonna be tough to get a productive bat if we dont part with at least one of em. I wanan keep Teheran and Vizcaino
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
9:02 pm
katherine
July 29th, 2011
8:52 pm
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2011
8:50 pm
katherine
“alex is hurting the team in the field now as well as in the lineup…he needs to go. put lugo in”
lol, that sounds like you menat to say P.U.G.O.
Sorry for the Beavis and Butthead reference
“Im sorry ….I dont get it lol”
P.U.G.O.
Means Put Out! or Get Out! That Should be the Mantra for Gonzo AKA Rafael Belliard from here on out
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2011
9:03 pm
Hensley has recorded 14 outs in 13 batters since back-to-back 1-out singles in #Braves’ 1st inning
SoWeGa Fanatic
July 29th, 2011
9:03 pm
Pence, Holiday, Lee, Oswalt, etc. Phillies have become the NL Yankees. Their payroll must be the highest in the NL.
bravesfaninnc
July 29th, 2011
9:03 pm
Frank Wren you are the worst GM in baseball you should issue a public apology to all braves fans.Fired Wren NOW
Puma
July 29th, 2011
9:03 pm
I am just saying he looked better in Seattle than tonight, not saying he looks bad
Ralph
July 29th, 2011
9:03 pm
Phillies get Pence, no problem braves counter with Ludwick
Dan_in_NC
July 29th, 2011
9:03 pm
Watching Astros and Brewers…Pence still in the game, would be funny if he got hurt in the next 10 minutes…
NORRIS
July 29th, 2011
9:03 pm
bourn is going to the reds. so he is now gone too.
and here we sit again with no runs and nobody can hit. but hey look on the brite side. we have some good pitchers in the minors.
Tomas
July 29th, 2011
9:03 pm
stats not overly impressive for Phils prospects. But i’ve been a baseball fan long enough to know that stats don’t mean anything when talking about minor leaguers.
katherine
July 29th, 2011
9:03 pm
Fightin’ Phil
July 29th, 2011
9:00 pm
I’m just glad we have a GM with the resources, to include the sack, to get a deal done. Don’t worry though…you guys will always have yesterday and lots of division banners. One WS though. That must suck.
It must suck to have to come on a braves blog to make yourself feel like a big shot…..be careful about getting too cocky….all good things come to an end eventually.
Brave Fan
July 29th, 2011
9:04 pm
The phillies did get bent and yes we need Bourn and Quentin.
The price just got much higher though with Beltran and Pence off the board because now they know we are really desperate. Or worse, content!
Komminsk
July 29th, 2011
9:04 pm
I’d love to know what we did offer for Pence. Phillies sent their two best minor league prospects + two more players. They are all in for this year.
Fightin' Phil
July 29th, 2011
9:04 pm
Katherine…yeah we gave up a lot…but that’s ok…we’ll just buy more talent later when we need it. Amazing what you can do when you put 45K in your stadium every night. There is no guarantee that Cosart and Singleton will turn out to be….oh….let me see…like Elvis Andrus and Feliz.
I crack myself up.
Puma
July 29th, 2011
9:04 pm
I am glad Braves did NOT give up as much as the Phillies did – I don’t know much about those two, but its their two top prospects right?
My Name Is Earl
July 29th, 2011
9:04 pm
Can someone please tell me how to email Chip and J